Question

Which statement about foundation species is true?

A. They cannot be ecosystem engineers.
B. They have low abundance but strong effects on the community.
C. They are also keystone species.
D. They have strong community effects due to their high abundance.

Answer 1

The correct statement about foundation species is 'D. They have strong community effects due to their high abundance.' Foundation species, like kelp in kelp forests, are characteristically abundant and form the basis of the ecosystem structure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement about foundation species that is true is 'D. They have strong community effects due to their high abundance.' Foundation species are typically primary producers and have the greatest influence on the overall structure of the community due to their high numbers. For instance, kelp, a type of brown algae, is a foundational species that creates the kelp forests off the coast of California. Unlike keystone species, which may not be abundant but have a disproportionately large influence on their environment, foundation species are characterized by their abundance and the fundamental role they play in ecosystem functions.