Corals affect their communities by producing elaborate limestone skeletons (coral reefs) that provide habitat for thousands of species and by helping to concentrate resources on the reef.Sea otters affect their communities by acting as top predators that generate trophic cascades, helping to maintain species richness, abundance, and composition.Are these animals considered keystone species or foundation species?
A) Both are keystone species.
B) Both are foundation species.
C) Corals are a keystone species; sea otters are a foundation species.
D) Corals are a foundation species; sea otters are a keystone species.
E) Both may fit either category, depending on the specific community.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Corals are considered a foundation species because they create a physical structure for the community to live on and around. Sea otters are considered a keystone species because they have a disproportionate impact on the community compared to their biomass, as their presence or absence can affect the entire food web. Therefore, the correct choice is D, which states that corals are a foundation species and sea otters are a keystone species.

Corals Affect Their Communities by Producing Elaborate Limestone Skeletons (Coral