Use the image below to answer the question.

Question

The plants are eaten by consumers at the first level, such as a mouse, grasshopper, whiptail, frog, squirrel, and deer. The consumers at the second level, such as ringtail, eagle, and pine marten eat the consumers at the first level. The consumers at the third level, such as wolf, mountain lion, and bobcat eat the consumers at the second level. Some of the consumers at the first level are also eaten by consumers at the third level.



Of the predators in the image, which one is most likely a keystone species?

(1 point)
Responses

ringtail
ringtail

mountain lion
mountain lion

frog
frog

pine marten

Answer 1

The most likely keystone species among the predators listed is the mountain lion. Keystone species are those that have a disproportionately large impact on their environment relative to their abundance. Mountain lions, as apex predators, help regulate populations of their prey (like deer), which in turn affects the entire ecosystem. This can help maintain biodiversity and ecosystem stability.