Answer :

Final answer:

Prairie dogs are a keystone species because of their burrowing activities that create habitats for other species and their role as prey that influences predator populations. Their presence or absence can lead to significant ecological impacts, as seen with other keystone species like intertidal sea stars and banded tetras.

Explanation:

Prairie dogs are considered a keystone species in their ecosystem due to their significant burrowing activities and role as prey animals. Their extensive burrowing creates habitats for other species, thus maintaining biodiversity and influencing the ecological community's structure. Furthermore, as a food source for predators, prairie dogs help regulate the populations of these predatory animals. In ecosystems where prairie dogs are abundant, their removal could lead to drastic changes in the ecological balance, demonstrating their keystone role.

Similar effects can be seen with other keystone species, such as the intertidal sea star, which controls mussel populations and consequently the species composition in its habitat. Another example is the banded tetra, which contributes essential nutrients to tropical streams, affecting the entire aquatic community. Removing these species from their ecosystems can have sweeping impacts, altering communities and reducing biodiversity. This illustrates the disproportionate influence keystone species have relative to their abundance.

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