Question

Which of the following are the incorrect statements about 'Keystone species'.
1. Keystone species are the small-sized plants and organisms which have large effect on the environment.
2. Keystone species play critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community.
3. Keystone species do not generally affect other organisms.

Answer 1

Correct option is C. 1 and 3
Keystone species are not necessarily small sized though they put great effect on the environment. They play very critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community by affecting many other organisms. An ecosystem may experience a dramatic shift if a keystone species is removed, even though that species may be small part of the ecosystem by measures of biomass or productivity.