Which of the Following Species is Both a Keystone Species

Question

Which of the following species is both a keystone species and a flagship species?
A)grizzly bear
B)panda
C)beaver
D)dolphin
E)alligator

Accepted Answer

The grizzly bear is both a keystone species and a flagship species. Keystone species are those that have a disproportionately large effect on their ecosystem relative to their abundance. Grizzly bears are keystone species because they prey on large herbivores, such as elk and deer, which helps to keep their populations in check. This, in turn, has a positive effect on the vegetation in the ecosystem, which benefits other species. Flagship species are those that are used to represent a conservation cause or organization. Grizzly bears are flagship species because they are charismatic and iconic animals that are associated with the wilderness.