Question map
Not attempted Correct Incorrect ★ Bookmarked
Loading…
Q126 (IAS/2000) Environment & Ecology › Ecology & Ecosystem Basics › Species interactions Answer Verified

Within biological communities, some species are important in determining the ability of a large number of other species to persist in the community. Such species are called

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: A
Explanation

The species described — those whose presence or absence disproportionately affects the ability of many other species to persist in a community — are referred to as keystone species. Keystone species are defined by their large, often disproportionate influence on community structure: their addition to or loss from an ecosystem produces major changes in the abundance or occurrence of other species, and their loss can lead to ecosystem degradation [1]. Examples often include top predators and ecosystem engineers whose regulatory roles maintain diversity and stability. The keystone concept is distinct from related terms like “umbrella species,” which are chosen for conservation because protecting them incidentally protects many others by virtue of shared habitat requirements [2].

Sources

  1. [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 8: Biodiversity > Kqystone specigs > p. 149
  2. [2] https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/role-keystone-species-ecosystem/
How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
57%
got it right
✓ Thank you! We'll review this.

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CDS-II · 2017 · Q10 Relevance score: -3.68

A biological community in its environment such as a pond, an ocean, a forest, even an aquarium is known as

IAS · 2013 · Q23 Relevance score: -5.80

Which one of the following terms describes not only the physical space occupied by an organism, but also its functional role in the community of organism?

CAPF · 2020 · Q87 Relevance score: -6.14

Transition zone of varied natural vegetation occupying the boundary between two adjacent and differing plant communities is known as

IAS · 1996 · Q106 Relevance score: -6.33

Ecologists have so far known, found and certified a large number of species in the plant and animal kingdom. In terms of members, the largest found and identified so far are from among the

CDS-II · 2021 · Q16 Relevance score: -6.44

While studying vegetation of an area, terms like ‘population’ and ‘community’ are often used. Which one of the following statements best describes a population ?