Question

1. What are keystone predators? Briefly describe how the species diversity (richness) in a community can be affected by keystone predators. (must included competitive exclusion principle)

Answer 1

Answer :- 1

A keystone species is often a dominant predator whose absence permits the explosion of a prey population and often reduces total diversity. Some types of keystone species are those that significantly alter the environment around them and thus affect large numbers of other organisms, such as corals or beavers.The bison, prairie dog, and otter are some examples of keystone species. These are keystone species because their ecology is greatly affected and without them the environment will change or suffer.

By preventing a single species from becoming dominant, keystone predators may increase the biodiversity of ecosystems. In a specific ecosystem they can have a profound influence on the balance of species.For example, grassland grazers may prevent a single dominant species from gaining control.

Such species help to maintain local biodiversity within a community either by managing certain species populations that would otherwise dominate the ecosystem, or by providing critical resources for a large variety of species.