Which of the following is an example of keystone species in an ecosystem?
Question: Which of the following is an example of keystone species in an ecosystem?
An example of a keystone species in an ecosystem is the sea otter (Enhydra lutris) in the kelp forest ecosystem. Sea otters play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of the kelp forest ecosystem. They are considered a keystone species because their presence has a disproportionate impact on the structure and function of the ecosystem.
Sea otters feed primarily on sea urchins, which are herbivores that graze on kelp. If sea otters were to be removed from the ecosystem, the population of sea urchins would increase dramatically due to the loss of their main predator. In turn, the increased grazing pressure from sea urchins would lead to overgrazing of the kelp forests, causing a decline in kelp abundance and diversity. This could have cascading effects on other organisms that rely on the kelp forest for food and habitat.
By controlling the population of sea urchins, sea otters help maintain a healthy balance in the kelp forest ecosystem. They indirectly support the diversity of other species, such as fish, invertebrates, and algae, that depend on the kelp habitat for shelter and food. Thus, the sea otter acts as a keystone species, exerting a disproportionate influence on the structure and functioning of the ecosystem.
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