Keystone species
A)have little effect on trophic interactions in the community.
B)are usually one of the larger species in the community.
C)exert a strong influence on the community because of population size and their ecological niche.
D)exert a strong influence on the community, not necessarily because of population size, but because of their critical ecological role in the community.
E)can be removed from some communities without drastic effects on the community.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Keystone species are species that have a critical ecological role in the community, and if they are removed, it can cause drastic effects on the community. This influence is not necessarily because of their population size but their role in regulating the community's trophic structure. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Keystone Species