Question

Keystone species are species that play a critical role in balancing an ecosystem. A classic keystone species is the gray wolf, which preys on large herbivores such as deer. The gray wolf was hunted nearly to extinction because it also killed farmers’ livestock. How would the local ecosystem by affected by removing the gray wolf?

Answer 1

Answer:

The population of herbivores would likely increase.

Explanation:

The keystone species - Gray Wolf - are especially useful because they essentially regulate the population of herbivores - like deer - they are a good predator to have to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Without them, the herbivore population would likely continue to grow and this would mean that greenery and the food that the deer eat ( as well as other animals ) would slowly be pushed to lower numbers. This would likely have an effect on the landscape in the area too.