In 1-2 sentences describe a keystone species

A keystone species is a species that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure and function of an ecosystem, often having a disproportionate influence on the community in which it lives. These species are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

Use the image to answer the question below.

The plants are eaten by consumers at the first level, such as rat, grasshopper, frog, squirrel, whiptail, 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 cat eat the consumers at the second level. Some of the consumers at the first level are also eaten by consumers at the third level.



Which one of the following animals is most likely to be a keystone species, based on the food web provided?

(1 point)
Responses

deer
deer

grasshopper
grasshopper

frog
frog

Mouse

Based on the food web provided, the wolf is most likely to be a keystone species, as it preys on consumers at the second level (ringtail, eagle, pine marten) and helps regulate their population, which in turn affects the populations at lower trophic levels.

Which one of the following animals is most likely to be a keystone species, based on the food web provided?

(1 point)
Responses

deer
deer

grasshopper
grasshopper

frog
frog

Mouse

In this food web scenario, the wolf is most likely to be a keystone species, as it preys on consumers at the second level (ringtail, eagle, pine marten) and helps regulate their population, which can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem.

choose one of the provided answers

I choose the wolf as the most likely keystone species.

CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING Which one of the following animals is most likely to be a keystone species, based on the food web provided?

(1 point)
Responses

deer
deer

grasshopper
grasshopper

frog
frog

Mouse

I choose the wolf as the most likely keystone species.

deer

deer

grasshopper
grasshopper

frog
frog

Mouse
Mouse