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Which statement is true with regard to keystone species?

A. Keystone species tend to negatively impact ecosystems.
B. Keystone species can control the distribution of other species in an ecosystem.
C. A species must be present in large numbers in order to be a keystone species.

Answer :

Final answer:

Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem structure and biodiversity, with one true statement being that they can control the distribution of other species. They are not necessarily abundant, but their removal can drastically alter an ecosystem. The intertidal sea star, for example, demonstrates how these species impact their environments significantly despite low numbers.


Explanation:

Understanding Keystone Species

A keystone species is one whose presence has a disproportionate impact on maintaining the biodiversity and overall structure of an ecosystem.

One true statement about keystone species is that keystone species can control the distribution of other species in an ecosystem. For instance, the intertidal sea star, Pisaster ochraceus, is a well-known keystone species in the northwestern United States. When this species is removed from its habitat, the populations of its natural prey, mussels, increase significantly. This leads to a decline in algae and a drastic alteration of species composition, ultimately reducing biodiversity within the ecosystem.

It's important to note that a species does not need to be present in large numbers to be considered a keystone species. Although keystone species have a major impact on their ecosystems, they often exist in low abundance compared to other species. Their ecological role is vital in maintaining the functional integrity of their environment.

Conclusion

In summary, while some may think that denser populations have a stronger effect, keystone species illustrate how crucially important even a small number of individuals can be to the ecological balance.


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