In Robert Paine's study of sea star-mussel interactions in rocky shore communities of the Pacific Northwest, which species would be considered a keystone species and why?
A) The mussel, because its rapid growth rate allowed it to dominate the community
B) The mussel, because it caused the loss of other sessile species in the community
C) The sea star, because it is a predator, which is one characteristic of a keystone species
D) The sea star, because it is nonsessile and can therefore more strongly affect the community
E) The sea star, because it had a large effect on the community despite its relatively small size and numbers
Correct Answer:
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