Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies a situation where a species acts as a keystone species, and what would be the most significant ecological consequence of its removal?
Question 2
Two species of fish, Species X and Species Y, inhabit the same coral reef. Species X feeds exclusively on a particular type of algae found in shallow waters, while Species Y feeds on a different type of algae found in deeper waters. Both species are capable of feeding on either algae type, but have evolved specialized mouthparts for their preferred food source. This scenario is an example of which ecological principle?
Question 3
In a temperate forest, a population of deer (herbivores) grazes on various plant species. A new, highly aggressive invasive plant species is introduced that rapidly outcompetes native plants for sunlight, water, and nutrients. What is the most likely long-term effect of this invasive species on the deer population and the overall community structure?
Question 4
Consider a mutualistic relationship between a specific species of ant and a type of acacia tree. The ants protect the tree from herbivores and competing plants, and in return, the tree provides the ants with shelter and food. If a sudden environmental change causes the extinction of this specific ant species, what would be the most probable immediate and long-term consequence for the acacia tree population?
Question 5
The competitive exclusion principle states that two species competing for the exact same limited resource cannot coexist indefinitely. Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a violation of this principle, and why?
