Use the image below to answer the question.
The plants are eaten by consumers at the first level, such as a mouse, grasshopper, whiptail, frog, squirrel, and deer. The consumers at the second level, such as ringtail, eagle, and pine marten eat the consumers at the first level. The consumers at the third level, such as wolf, mountain lion, and bobcat eat the consumers at the second level. Some of the consumers at the first level are also eaten by consumers at the third level.
Of the predators in the image, which one is most likely a keystone species?
(1 point)
Responses
pine marten
pine marten
ringtail
ringtail
frog
frog
mountain lion
mountain lion
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mountain lion
The mountain lion is most likely a keystone species because it is at the top of the food chain and plays a crucial role in regulating the population of other species in the ecosystem. Its presence or absence can have a significant impact on the entire ecosystem.