Within biological communities, some species are important in determining the ability of a large number of other species to persist in the community. Such species are called:
✓ Correct answer: a) Keystone species
ExplanationKeystone species play a crucial role in maintaining eco- system structure and function, having a disproportionate impact relative to their abundance.Like the keystone in an arch, they support the stability of the entire system.These species influence population sizes, modify the environment, and affect species di- versity and community composition.Removing a keystone spe- cies can disrupt the ecosystem, leading to biodiversity loss and instability.Some of the Keystone Species are: Sea Otters(kelp forest ecosystem).Wolves and other top predators(Grassland ecosystem), Elephants(Savannah), Beavers and Starfish.Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:Allopatric species are species that evolve separately due to geographic isolation, Eg.African and Indian elephants.Sympatric species are species that evolve separately within the same geographic area.Threatened species are species at risk of becoming endangered in the near future due to factors like habitat loss, climate change, and human activities.23
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