Which of the following species significantly affects the functioning of an ecosystem?

Answer

Correct Answer : c ) Keystone species

Flagship species are the species which are chosen to promote any environmental issue or biodiversity conservation, e.g. Bengal tiger, Asian elephant.

Indicator species are species which indicate the state of an ecosystem. For example, the existence of corals shows certain characteristics of marine ecosystems.

Keystone species are significant for the functioning of ecosystem. Their absence significantly affects ecosystem functioning.  Elephants and tigers are keystone species. They maintain the structure of community by not allowing the population of organisms at lower tropic levels to grow disproportionately.

Umbrella species help in decisions concerning conservation of a habitat/ ecosystem such as in choosing minimum size and location of potential reserves.   

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Questions related to Environment and Ecology are asked widely in exams like SSC CGL, State PCS, SSC CHSL, UPSC CDS, RRB NTPC, RRB JE, etc.

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