Question

In a study published in the journal Nature, scientists studied eight ponds in Florida: four that were populated by a species of fish and four that were not. As they studied the ponds, they noted that the areas around the four fish-populated ponds showed decreased populations of dragonflies and dragonfly larvae, whereas the four without fish showed abnormally large populations of dragonflies and larvae. Dragonflies feed on bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Predict what would happen to the rate of pollination of flowers in a field next to a pond with no fish. Use evidence to support this prediction. Identify the keystone species in this scenario and explain how you have inferred this.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

The rate of pollination in the field (near the pond with no fish) will decrease exponentially. Because, as the fish population is removed from that ecosystem, the population of dragonflies and larva increases without check because, fish feeds on the dragonflies larva and kept there population in check. Due to this, the population of bees and other pollinators population decline becuase, they are major food source of dragonflies.

Honeybees are the keystone species because it's absence will lead to major changes in the ecosystem.