Final answer:
Ferrets and prairie dogs play influential roles in their community as habitat engineers (C). Prairie dogs are keystone species in the western U.S. due to their burrowing activities and role as prey. Ferrets, as predators of prairie dogs, regulate the population and maintain balance in the ecosystem.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ferrets and prairie dogs play influential roles in their community as habitat engineers (C).
Prairie dogs are considered keystone species in the western U.S. due to their extensive burrowing activities and their role as prey animals. Their burrows create habitat for other species, provide protection and shelter for small animals, and contribute to soil aeration and nutrient cycling. Additionally, their presence as prey supports the predator population.
Similarly, ferrets also play an important role as ecosystem regulators (D). They prey on prairie dogs, which helps to control their population and maintain balance in the ecosystem.