Test your knowledge on keystone species and their crucial role in ecosystems with this informative quiz. Learn about the impacts of these species and how their removal can affect the entire habitat.

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@VigilantBlessing

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes a keystone species in biology?

A species that has a large impact on its habitat

What can happen if the keystone species in an ecosystem experiences a decrease in population?

The ecosystem will experience a trophic cascade

What happened to the grey wolf population in Yellowstone National Park in the early 1930s?

Their numbers dropped to zero

When were wolves reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park?

<p>In 1995</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the reintroduction of wolves have on Yellowstone National Park?

<p>A change in how the rivers flow</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Keystone Species

A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionate impact on its environment and plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of its ecosystem.

Effects of Keystone Species Decline

A decrease in the population of a keystone species can lead to a decline in biodiversity, changes in ecosystem processes, and even extinction of other species that depend on the keystone species.

Grey Wolf Population in Yellowstone

In the early 1930s, the grey wolf population in Yellowstone National Park became extinct due to hunting and habitat loss.

Wolf Reintroduction to Yellowstone

Wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in 1995-1996 after a 70-year absence.

Impact of Wolf Reintroduction

The reintroduction of wolves had a cascading effect on the ecosystem, leading to changes in vegetation, a decrease in elk populations, and an increase in biodiversity in Yellowstone National Park.