What is the role of the beaver in its ecosystem?
a
It is an endangered species as it has the least number of individuals among all the mammalian species of its ecosystem.
b
It is a foundation species and the main source of food for the natural predators of its ecosystem.
c
It is a keystone species that modifies its natural environment by damming streams to form wetlands.
d
It is a dominant species, as it has the greatest number of individuals among all the mammalian species of its ecosystem.
Question 12
c. 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, help to filter and purify water, and can also mitigate flooding and erosion. The presence of beavers can have a significant impact on the overall health and biodiversity of an ecosystem.