Question

crassostrea virginica, a species of oyster, is a keystone species that lives in the chesapeake bay. these oysters build reefs that provide a habitat for numerous species of the coastline. in addition, these oysters filter the water around the reefs.
consider how removing a keystone species like crassostrea virginica from an ecosystem compares to removing a species that is not a keystone species.
which of the following is true?

removing any species, regardless if it is a keystone species, is not likely to cause a change in the ecosystem

removing any species, regardless if it is a keystone species, is likely to cause the same degree of change in the ecosystem

removing a keystone species is likely to cause a more drastic change in the ecosystem

removing a keystone species is likely to cause a less significant change in the
ecosystem,

Explanation:

Keystone species play a crucial - role in an ecosystem. They have a disproportionately large impact on the structure and function of the ecosystem relative to their abundance. Removing a non - keystone species may have some impact, but it is usually not as severe. For example, if a common plant (non - keystone) is removed, other plants may take its place. However, if a keystone species like Crassostrea virginica (oyster) is removed:

• The oyster reefs that provide habitat for many species will be lost.
• The water - filtering function (which helps maintain water quality for other aquatic life) will be gone.

Answer:

Removing a keystone species is likely to cause a more drastic change in the ecosystem.