Beavers, large members of the rodent family in North America, are often referred to as “ecosystem/keystone engineers” by wildlife managers. Ecosystem engineers are described as animals that create, alter, or destroy a habitat. Beavers contribute to river ecosystems by bringing down old and dead trees along riverbanks. They use these trees to make their dams. Although these dams are primarily used for protection and food storage, scientists report that these dams change the surrounding environment in different ways.

Given this information, in three to five sentences, describe a potential benefit that beavers contribute to the ecosystem as keystone engineers and describe a plausible impact that the removal of beavers could have on the surrounding ecosystem.
(In kids words)

7 answers

Beavers help the ecosystem by creating dams that hold back water, which helps to prevent flooding downstream and replenish water in the ground. If beavers were removed from the ecosystem, there would be less dams and more water flowing freely, leading to increased flooding and less water for plants and animals to use. This could harm the plants and animals that depend on the river for their homes and food.
Can you make it shorter
Beavers help prevent flooding and replenish water by building dams. If beavers were removed, there would be more flooding and less water for plants and animals, which could harm the ecosystem.
make it have 4 sentences
Beavers help prevent flooding and replenish water by building dams. If beavers were removed, there would be more flooding and less water for plants and animals, which could harm the ecosystem. Their dams also create habitats for other animals and help regulate water flow. Overall, beavers play a key role in maintaining a healthy river ecosystem.
in kids words
Beavers make dams that help stop floods and save water for plants and animals. If beavers were gone, there could be more floods and less water for everyone. The dams also give homes to other animals and control the water flow. So, beavers are super important for a happy river home.