Ecologists often focus on protecting keystone species as a way of preserving endangered ecosystems.This is most likely because keystone species are the
A) largest species in the ecosystem.
B) most numerous species in the ecosystem.
C) species that maintain ecosystem structure and function.
D) species in the ecosystem that humans most value.
E) longest-lived species in the ecosystem.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure and function of their respective ecosystems. Their removal can trigger cascading effects on other species and disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. By protecting keystone species, ecologists aim to preserve the integrity and sustainability of the ecosystem as a whole, making choice C the most appropriate answer. Choices A, B, D, and E do not accurately reflect the reason why keystone species are important to protect.

Ecologists Often Focus on Protecting Keystone Species as a Way