In what way did the sea star, Pisaster ochraceus, act as a keystone species in the Robert Paine study of rocky shore communities in the Pacific Northwest?

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In the Robert Paine study, Pisaster ochraceus was found to act as a keystone species by preventing the overpopulation of mussels in the community. This was observed through an experiment where the sea stars were removed from the area, causing an increase in mussel population and a decrease in overall biodiversity. Therefore, without the sea star, the rocky shore community would shift to a different state, where the competitive dominance of mussels would significantly alter the ecosystem's structure and function.

In What Way Did the Sea Star, Pisaster Ochraceus, Act