Final answer:
Removing a keystone species can disrupt the delicate balance of an ecosystem and have far-reaching consequences for the populations of other species within that ecosystem.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a keystone species is removed from an ecosystem, it can have significant effects and outcomes. A keystone species is one that plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Their removal can cause a cascade of impacts that can lead to the decline or extinction of other species in the ecosystem. For example, if a keystone predator is removed, the prey species may experience a population explosion, leading to overgrazing or the depletion of resources, which can then affect other organisms in the food chain.
One example of the effects of removing a keystone species is the removal of sea stars from coral reef communities. Sea stars prey on mussels and sea urchins, which have no other natural predators. If sea stars are removed, the populations of mussels and sea urchins would increase dramatically, leading to a decline in other species that rely on the reef ecosystem.
In summary, removing a keystone species can disrupt the delicate balance of an ecosystem and have far-reaching consequences for the populations of other species within that ecosystem.