A)Keystone species have a massive impact in their ecosystems. Which of the following is NOT a factor that is impacted? (1 point)

Responses

Symbiotic relationships with other animals.
Symbiotic relationships with other animals.

Providing a food source for predators.
Providing a food source for predators.

Decreasing the amount of rainfall in an ecosystem
Decreasing the amount of rainfall in an ecosystem

Maintaining the flow of energy throughout an ecosystem.

Decreasing the amount of rainfall in an ecosystem

The factor that is NOT impacted by keystone species is:

Decreasing the amount of rainfall in an ecosystem.

To determine which of the factors is NOT impacted by keystone species, we need to understand the role of keystone species in an ecosystem. Keystone species are species that have a significant influence on the structure and functioning of their ecosystems. Their presence or absence can greatly impact the diversity and balance of the ecosystem.

In this case, we are looking for the factor that is NOT impacted. Let's go through each option:

1) Symbiotic relationships with other animals: Keystone species often have symbiotic relationships with other animals, such as mutualism or commensalism. These relationships can be critical to the survival of those other animals. So, this is a factor that is impacted by keystone species.

2) Providing a food source for predators: Keystone species can play a key role in maintaining the food web by acting as a primary food source for predators. Removing a keystone species can disrupt the balance and affect predator populations. So, this is also a factor that is impacted.

3) Decreasing the amount of rainfall in an ecosystem: Keystone species do not have control over the amount of rainfall in an ecosystem. Rainfall is influenced by factors such as weather patterns, climate, and geographical location. Thus, keystone species do not directly impact the amount of rainfall. However, they may indirectly affect certain aspects of the water cycle, such as nutrient cycling or regulating stream flow.

4) Maintaining the flow of energy throughout an ecosystem: Keystone species have a significant impact on the flow of energy in an ecosystem. They can alter resource availability, control population sizes, and affect energy transfer between trophic levels. Therefore, this is a factor that is impacted by keystone species.

Based on the above analysis, the factor that is NOT impacted by keystone species is "Decreasing the amount of rainfall in an ecosystem."