Use the internet to research a keystone species. Determine how identifying and conserving this keystone species led to a successful outcome in a conservation project.

The intertidal sea star, Pisaster ochraceus, is a keystone species that plays a vital role in maintaining marine biodiversity. Conservation efforts that focused on its protection led to the restoration of marine ecosystems by balancing mussel populations and promoting algal diversity. This case exemplifies the critical importance of keystone species in ecological conservation.

Explanation:

Keystone Species: The Sea Star and Conservation Success

A keystone species is crucial for maintaining biodiversity within an ecosystem. One notable example is the intertidal sea star, Pisaster ochraceus, found along the northwestern coast of the United States. This species plays a vital role in controlling the population of mussels, which are its primary prey.

Research indicates that when Pisaster ochraceus is removed from its ecosystem, mussel populations can explode, leading to significant decreases in algal diversity and overall biodiversity. Such changes illustrate the disproportionate impact that this single species can have on its environment.

Through conservation efforts focused on the protection and restoration of this keystone species, ecologists have seen successful outcomes in maintaining ecosystem balance. Reintroducing Pisaster ochraceus in previously affected areas has helped restore a healthy diversity of marine life, demonstrating the significance of protecting keystone species for ecological stability.

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