Elephants are not the most abundant species in African grasslands, yet they influence community structure. The grasslands contain scattered woody plants, but they are kept in check by the uprooting activities of the elephants. Take away the elephants, and the grasslands are converted to forests or to shrublands. The newly growing forests support fewer species than the previous grasslands. Which of the following statements describes why elephants are the keystone species in this scenario?
A) Elephants exhibit a disproportionate influence on the structure of the community relative to their abundance.
B) Grazing animals depend upon the elephants to convert forests to grassland.
C) Elephants are the biggest herbivore in this community.
D) Elephants help other populations survive by keeping out many of the large African predators.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Keystone species are those species that have a disproportionately large effect on the ecological community relative to their abundance. In this scenario, elephants have a significant impact on the grassland community despite not being the most abundant species.

Elephants Are Not the Most Abundant Species in African Grasslands