Question

alligators are considered a keystone species in specific parts of florida. what does this mean? it means the alligators are totally normal, niche filling species, in florida. it disproportionately influences the structure and functioning of its local florida ecosystem. it disproportionately degrades the structure and functioning of its local florida ecosystem.

Explanation:

A keystone species is one that has a disproportionately large effect on its ecosystem relative to its abundance. The first option describes a normal niche - filling species, not a keystone species. The third option says it degrades the ecosystem, but keystone species influence (not necessarily degrade) the ecosystem's structure and function. The second option correctly states that a keystone species (like alligators in parts of Florida) disproportionately influences the structure and functioning of its local ecosystem.

Answer:

B. It disproportionately influences the structure and functioning of its local Florida ecosystem. (Note: Assuming the options are labeled A, B, C with the first option as A, second as B, third as C. If the original problem has different labeling, adjust accordingly. But based on the content, the correct statement is the one about disproportionately influencing the ecosystem's structure and function.)