The living corals in tropical reefs have a profound affect on the hundreds of species that live in association with the reef and one another,yet corals are not considered keystone species because
A) they are too abundant; keystone species always have a numerically low abundance.
B) they consume more energy as plankton than their photosynthetic components produce.
C) their affects are not dependent on the presence of living individuals; the reefs they build persist long after their death.
D) their total benefit is solely related to providing protection from predators for the small species that live there.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Corals are not considered keystone species because they are too abundant. Keystone species typically have a low abundance but a disproportionately large impact on their environment.

The Living Corals in Tropical Reefs Have a Profound Affect