Question

1. a ____________________________ species has a profound effect on an ecosystem.
2. name the keystone species that is critical to the balance and diversity of each of these:

wetland ecosystem ____________________________
ocean reef ecosystem ____________________________

1. true or false? explain

_____ if an ecosystem is biodiverse, its success does not depend on a keystone species.
_________________________________________
_________________________________________

Explanation:

1. The term describes a species that disproportionately shapes its ecosystem despite low biomass.
2. 1. Wetlands rely on this species to create habitat and filter water. 2. Ocean reefs are built by this organism, forming the base of the ecosystem.
3. Keystone species maintain balance even in biodiverse ecosystems; their loss disrupts the entire system.

Even biodiverse ecosystems depend on keystone species to regulate populations, maintain habitat structure, and sustain ecological balance. The removal of a keystone species can lead to a collapse in biodiversity and ecosystem function, regardless of initial diversity.

Answer:

1. keystone

2.
wetland ecosystem: American alligator (or beaver)
ocean reef ecosystem: coral polyps

1. False