In a Previous Chapter You Read About "Keystone Species

question 28

Multiple Choice

In a previous chapter you read about "keystone species." How do the prairie dogs in this story meet the definition of a keystone species?

• A) Their burrows loosened the soil and served as homes for other species; they helped with nutrient recycling. They helped water infiltrate into the soil and kept soil loose for grass roots. When they were removed, the system deteriorated.
• B) The availability of prairie dogs kept the predators in check; when they were removed, the predator populations grew dramatically. Prairie dogs also kept the soil aerated and compact.
• C) When the prairie dogs were removed, the cattle declined, which meets the definition of a keystone species.
• D) They don't meet the definition of a keystone species; the system did fine without them. The predators switched to preying on cattle, and the grasses did better in the compact soil.
• E) Their burrows caused cattle to break their legs and die. This made them directly responsible for the welfare of another species, which meets the definition of a keystone species.

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Definitions:

Routine Collective Action

Organized group behavior that follows established patterns or norms, often associated with societal or institutional practices.

Nonviolent

Referring to actions, movements, or methods that do not involve force or violence to achieve goals.

Bureaucratic Social Structures

Organizational frameworks characterized by strict hierarchical order, rules, and regulations governing behavior and processes.

Established Patterns

Regularities or routines in behavior or activities that are widely acknowledged and followed within a society.