Question

The passage suggests which of the following about the identification of a species as a keystone species?

• A. Such an identification depends primarily on the species' relationship to the dominant species.
• B. Such an identification can best be made by removing the species from a particular ecosystem and observing changes that occur in the ecosystem.
• C. Such an identification is likely to be less reliable as an ecosystem becomes less diverse.
• D. Such an identification seems to depend on various factors within the ecosystem.
• E. Such an identification can best be made by observing predation behavior.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Such an identification seems to depend on various factors within the ecosystem.

As the given answer is correct, the keystone is identified due to various factors in the ecosystem. In the given passage, it clearly mentioned that certain characters define a species as a keystone species. As for instance, P .ochraceous is keystone predator species because it plays a dominant role but this dominance is changed where ecosystem traits are different. For eg., it is weak or nonexistent at certain sites where more wave sheltered areas, so keystone identification depends on various factors in the ecosystem.