What is the role of the beaver in its ecosystem?
It is a dominant species, as it has the greatest number of individuals among all the mammalian species of its ecosystem.
It is an endangered species as it has the least number of individuals among all the mammalian species of its ecosystem.
It is a keystone species that modifies its natural environment by damming streams to form wetlands.
It is a foundation species and the main source of food for the natural predators of its ecosystem.
The correct answer is: It is a keystone species that modifies its natural environment by damming streams to form wetlands.
Beavers play a crucial role in their ecosystem by creating wetlands through their dam-building activities. These wetlands provide habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, increase biodiversity, and help regulate water flow and quality. Beavers are considered a keystone species because their presence has a significant impact on the structure and function of their ecosystem.