Answer :

Final answer:

Keystone species are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and the structural integrity of ecosystems. The loss of such species can lead to significant and detrimental changes in their communities, such as reduced diversity or altered ecological interactions.

Explanation:

Keystone species exert an important regulating effect on other species within an ecosystem by maintaining biological diversity and ecological balance. One classic example is the intertidal sea star, Pisaster ochraceus, found in the northwestern United States, which preys on mussels. When sea stars are removed, mussel populations can increase unchecked, which leads to a reduction in biodiversity and a change in the community structure. Similarly, the banded tetra, a freshwater fish, plays a crucial role by providing essential nutrients like phosphorus to its environment. Without these keystone species, the structure and biodiversity of their respective ecosystems would be significantly disrupted, demonstrating their disproportionate ecological impact.

These species can be equated to the rivets in an airplane wing; each may go unnoticed, but the cumulative effect of their absence can lead to catastrophic ecological consequences. Furthermore, keystone species help in stabilizing community interactions and are vital for the resilience of ecosystems against global changes such as climate change and habitat loss.

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