Question

Which of the following would most likely occur in an ecosystem following the removal of a keystone species?

• A. Increase in biodiversity
• B. Stabilization of food webs
• C. Collapse of population balance and possible extinction of dependent species
• D. No significant change in the ecosystem

Hint:

Keystone species maintain ecological balance; their removal causes ecosystem collapse.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

- A keystone species plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem. Their removal can cause major disruptions. 
- Removal of a keystone species often leads to a collapse of population balance and possibly extinction of species that depend on it, so (C) is correct. 
- (A) is incorrect because biodiversity usually decreases, not increases, after keystone species removal. 
- (B) is incorrect; food webs become destabilized without keystone species. 
- (D) is incorrect; significant changes usually occur in the ecosystem. 
 Answer: \(\boxed{\text{C}}\)