Of the predators in the image, which one is most likely a keystone species? Mountain lions; ringtail; frog; pine martens

Answer 1

Mountain lions are most likely the keystone species in this image. Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystems relative to their abundance, and mountain lions play a crucial role in controlling the populations of prey species such as deer and smaller predators like coyotes. If mountain lions were to disappear, it could have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem.