The predator most likely to be a keystone species among the options provided is the mountain lion. Keystone species are those that have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance. As a top predator, the mountain lion helps to regulate the populations of other species below it in the food chain, which can maintain the ecological balance within the ecosystem.
Use the image below to answer the 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
pine marten
pine marten
frog
frog
ringtail
ringtail
mountain lion
1 answer