Question

African elephants push over or remove small acacia trees that sprout among the grasses in grasslands where they roam. The elephants' actions prevent the trees from getting too large and shading out the important grasses they consume Because the roots of the grasses run deep into the ground, they are able to continue to grow even when the shoots above the ground are eaten. This best describes the role of African elephants as

• A. A keystone species
• B. A producer
• C. A decomposer
• D. A scavenger
• E. A secondary consumer

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

A keystone species

A. A keystone species paly a crucial role in the functioning of an ecosystem and its absence can affect the functioning of an ecosystem drastically.

B. A producer is a green plant that captures the light energy and convert it into solar energy.

C. A decomposer is a saprophyte and reduces the organic matter.

D. A scavenger is an animal that feeds on the dead plant and animal material.

E. A secondary consumer or carnivore is an animal that feeds on the primary consumers (herbivores) and producers (plants).

Since African elephants are playing important role in maintaining the growth of grasses and acacia trees, they are keystone species of that ecosystem.

So, the correct answer is 'Keystone species'.