Question

Which statement best describes a keystone species?

O A. Its birthrate is the highest of all the species in the community.
B. It has the highest amount of genetic diversity in the community.
C. It serves as a predator of many other species in the community.
D. Its extinction would cause a significant change in the community.

Answer 1

D. Its extinction would cause a significant change in the community.

Step-by-step explanation:

A keystone species is a species that helps define an entire ecosystem. If its keystone species disappeared, the ecosystem would significantly change or even disappear, too.

There are several types of keystone species:

• Predators - they help control the populations of other species, e.g. sharks.
• Engineers - they create, change, or destroys a habitat, e.g. beaver.
• Mutuals - two or more species interact for each other’s benefit, e.g. bees and flowers.

Based on this information, we can conclude that the correct option is D.