Answer :

The keystone species in the Chesapeake Bay Estuary are Blue Crabs (Callinectes sapidus) and Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea virginica).

Blue Crabs (Callinectes sapidus) and Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) are two key species that play an important role in the Chesapeake Bay Estuary ecosystem.Blue Crabs are considered a keystone species because they are predators that feed on benthic animals that inhabit the bottom of the estuary. They keep these populations under control, which maintains the estuary's biodiversity. Furthermore, their feeding habits aid in nutrient cycling, which is crucial for the estuary's health.

Eastern oysters are also a keystone species since they help filter water. They are filter feeders that filter up to 50 gallons of water each day, removing algae and other particles. They also provide a habitat for other creatures in the estuary. Oysters' shells form the building blocks for reefs that protect shorelines from erosion and provide habitat for many species. Other species in the Chesapeake Bay Estuary include zooplankton, phytoplankton, and marsh grasses, which are also essential to the estuary's ecosystem.

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