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What does the term "keystone species" mean?

Answer :

Answer:

a species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed the ecosystem would change

Explanation:

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Rewritten by : Barada

Final answer:

A keystone species is pivotal in maintaining the ecological balance in its habitat, supporting biodiversity by playing a role that if removed, would dramatically alter the ecosystem.

Explanation:

A keystone species is one that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community and thereby supports the diversity and balance within the ecosystem. The intertidal sea star, Pisaster ochraceus, is an example of a keystone species in the northwestern United States.

When removed from its habitat, the mussel population increases, which then leads to a decrease in algae and a reduction in overall biodiversity. Similarly, the banded tetra, a tropical fish, is also considered a keystone species because it provides almost all of the phosphorus, a vital inorganic nutrient, to other community members.

The loss of keystone species such as these can greatly affect the ecological community structure and diversity.