Question

which species is identified as the keystone species in the salt marsh ecosystem
the burrowing crab
the diamondback terrapin
the herring gull
the saltmarsh cordgrass
question 27
1 pts
based on the salt marsh food web information, which set of organisms represents primary consumers that directly feed on the main producers like algae and cordgrass?
snails, worms, and crabs
mosquitos and flies
otters, herring gulls, and raccoons
sheepshead minnows and diamondback terrapins

Explanation:

First Question (Keystone Species in Salt Marsh Ecosystem)

A keystone species has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem. Saltmarsh cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) is a foundation/keystone species in salt marshes as it stabilizes the marsh, provides habitat, and is a primary producer. Burrowing crabs, diamondback terrapins, and herring gulls do not have the same foundational role as the cordgrass in structuring the salt marsh ecosystem.

Primary consumers eat producers (like algae and cordgrass). Snails, worms, and crabs are known to feed directly on algae and cordgrass (producers) in salt marsh food webs. Mosquitos/flies typically feed on nectar or blood, otters/raccoons/herring gulls are higher-level consumers, and sheepshead minnows/diamondback terrapins have more varied diets or are not primary consumers of these producers.

Answer:

The saltmarsh cordgrass

Question 27 (Primary Consumers Feeding on Algae and Cordgrass)