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Define "keystone species."

Answer :

Final answer:

A keystone species has a significant impact on its ecosystem and plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and structure. Sea otters in kelp forest ecosystems and African elephants in savanna ecosystems are examples of keystone species.


Explanation:

A keystone species is a species that has a significant impact on its ecosystem compared to its abundance. These species play crucial roles in maintaining the balance and structure of their respective ecosystems. They often have a strong influence on other species, directly or indirectly, by affecting factors such as population size, species diversity, and habitat suitability.

One example of a keystone species is the sea otter in kelp forest ecosystems. Sea otters feed on sea urchins, which are herbivores that eat kelp. By controlling the sea urchin population, sea otters prevent overgrazing of kelp forests and promote the survival of a diverse range of species that depend on these habitats.

Another example is the African elephant in savanna ecosystems. Elephants feed on trees and shrubs, which helps maintain open grasslands that provide habitat for various herbivores. Their browsing behavior influences the structure of the vegetation, allowing for the coexistence of different species.


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