A species that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community and helps to determine the types and numbers of various other species in the community is known as
A)a predator.
B)a keystone species.
C)the primary species.
D)the dominant species.
E)the alpha species.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The definition of a keystone species fits perfectly with the description provided in the question. Keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystem relative to their abundance. Their presence or absence can greatly affect the overall structure and diversity of the community.

A Species That Plays a Critical Role in Maintaining the Structure