Question

scientists have identified the elephant as a keystone species in the african savanna ecosystem. one reason is that the elephant digs holes to access groundwater that other organisms use as well. if the elephant population declined, what do you predict would happen to the ecosystem over time? the populations of animals that rely on water from elephants would increase. the ecosystem function would not change. the populations of animals that rely on water from elephants would increase. the ecosystem could function differently. the populations of animals that rely on water from elephants would decrease. the ecosystem function would not change. the populations of animals that rely on water from elephants would decrease. the ecosystem could function differently.

Explanation:

Elephants are a keystone species, meaning their role is critical to ecosystem function. If their population declines, the water holes they create will become scarce. Animals dependent on these water sources will lose access to this resource, so their populations will decrease. A loss of a keystone species disrupts the ecosystem, leading to changes in how it functions over time.

Answer:

The populations of animals that rely on water from elephants would decrease. The ecosystem could function differently.