Food Web includes: mountain lion, wolf, bobcat, ringtail, eagle, pine marten, mouse, whiptail, frog, squirrel, deer grasshopper and tree. Of the predators in this list, which one is most likely a keystone species?
a. mountain lion
b. ringtail
c. pine marten
d. frog
a. mountain lion
In the given food web, a keystone species is one that has a disproportionately large impact on the structure and function of the ecosystem relative to its abundance. This means that if the keystone species were to disappear, it would significantly affect the other species in the food web.
Looking at the list of predators, the mountain lion (a) is most likely the keystone species in this scenario. Mountain lions are apex predators and play a crucial role in regulating the populations of the species they prey upon. Their absence would lead to changes in the abundance and behavior of the other predators and prey in the food web. Thus, the mountain lion has a significant impact on maintaining the balance and diversity of the ecosystem.
To determine which predator in the given list is most likely a keystone species, we need to understand the concept of a keystone species and examine the roles and effects of each predator in the food web.
A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionate impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance. It plays a critical role in maintaining the structure and functioning of the entire community. Removing a keystone species from the ecosystem can have significant ripple effects and lead to the collapse of the ecosystem.
Now, let's analyze the predators in the given list:
a. Mountain lion: Being a large carnivore at the top of the food chain, the mountain lion can have a significant impact on regulating prey populations. The removal of mountain lions may disrupt the balance of the ecosystem, but it is not necessarily a keystone species.
b. Ringtail: The ringtail is a small carnivorous mammal. While it may play a role in the food web, it is not usually considered a keystone species due to its smaller size and relatively limited impact on the overall ecosystem.
c. Pine marten: The pine marten is another small carnivorous mammal. Similar to the ringtail, it is not typically considered a keystone species due to its limited impact.
d. Frog: Frogs, as predators of insects and small invertebrates, can have a significant influence on prey populations, particularly on the lower trophic levels. They also serve as prey for other predators. However, frogs are not usually keystone species because their absence may not have as profound an impact on the overall ecosystem as other predators in the list.
Based on this analysis, the most likely keystone species among the given predators is:
a. Mountain lion: While it may have similar conservation value as other predators, its position at the apex of the food chain and its potential to regulate prey populations suggest that the mountain lion is the most likely keystone species in this food web.
Remember, this is just an analysis based on the information provided. In reality, determining a keystone species requires a more in-depth understanding of the ecosystem, including factors such as population dynamics, trophic interactions, and ecosystem stability.