The predator most likely to be a keystone species among the options provided is the mountain lion. Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community, and predators like mountain lions often help regulate populations of herbivores and other species. This has cascading effects on the ecosystem, making them vital to the overall health and balance of their environment.
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
mountain lion
mountain lion
frog
frog
ringtail
1 answer