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
Mouse
Mouse
deer
deer
frog
frog
grasshopper
frog
Based on the food web provided, the frog is most likely to be a keystone species because it occupies a crucial position in the food chain, serving as a primary consumer that is essential to maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.