Elephants are not the most dominant species in African grasslands, yet they influence community structure. The grasslands contain scattered woody plants, but they are kept in check by the uprooting activities of the elephants. Take away the elephants, and the grasslands convert to forests or to shrublands. The newly growing forests support fewer species than the previous grasslands. Which of the following describes why elephants are the keystone species in this scenario?
A) Elephants exhibit a disproportionate influence on the structure of the community relative to their abundance.
B) Grazing animals depend upon the elephants to convert forests to grassland.
C) Elephants prevent drought in African grasslands.
D) Elephants are the biggest herbivore in this community.
E) Elephants help other populations survive by keeping out many of the large African predators.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Elephants are the keystone species because they have a disproportionate influence on the community structure relative to their abundance. Their uprooting of woody plants maintains the grassland habitat, which supports a greater diversity of species than forests or shrublands. Removing elephants would cause a drastic shift in the community structure and lead to a loss of biodiversity.

Elephants Are Not the Most Dominant Species in African Grasslands