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 misdefines keystone species as "normal, niche - filling", which is incorrect. The third option says it degrades the ecosystem, but keystone species maintain or support the ecosystem, not degrade it. 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. (Here we assume the options are labeled as A, B, C where A is the first option, B is the second, and C is the third. If the original options had different labels, adjust accordingly based on the actual option numbering of the second option which is the correct one.)