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 decrease. the ecosystem could function differently. 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 increase. the ecosystem function would not change.

Explanation:

Since elephants dig holes for groundwater that other organisms use, a decline in elephant population would mean less accessible water for those reliant animals. This would likely lead to a decrease in their populations. Also, keystone species like elephants play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning. Their decline would cause the ecosystem to function differently as the water - sharing mechanism (a part of the ecosystem's structure and function) is disrupted.

Answer:

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