In a previous chapter you read about "keystone species." How do the prairie dogs in this story meet the definition of a keystone species?
A) Their burrows loosened the soil and served as homes for other species; they helped with nutrient recycling. They helped water infiltrate into the soil and kept soil loose for grass roots. When they were removed, the system deteriorated.
B) The availability of prairie dogs kept the predators in check; when they were removed, the predator populations grew dramatically. Prairie dogs also kept the soil aerated and compact.
C) When the prairie dogs were removed, the cattle declined, which meets the definition of a keystone species.
D) They don't meet the definition of a keystone species; the system did fine without them. The predators switched to preying on cattle, and the grasses did better in the compact soil.
E) Their burrows caused cattle to break their legs and die. This made them directly responsible for the welfare of another species, which meets the definition of a keystone species.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Prairie dogs are considered a keystone species because their activities—such as burrowing, which loosens the soil and provides homes for other species, and their role in nutrient recycling and water infiltration—have a disproportionately large effect on their ecosystem. Their removal leads to deterioration of the system, highlighting their critical role.

In a Previous Chapter You Read About "Keystone Species