31. Elephants are not the most dominant species in African grasslands, yet they influence community structure. The grasslands contain scattered woody plants, but they are kept in check by the uprooting activities of the elephants. If the elephants are taken away, the grasslands convert to forests or to shrublands. The newly growing forests support fewer species than the previous grasslands. Which of the following describes why elephants are the keystone species in this scenario? A) Elephants exhibit a disproportionate influence on the structure of the community relative to their abundance. B) Grazing animals depend upon the elephants to convert forests to grassland. C) Elephants prevent drought in African grasslands. D) Elephants are the biggest herbivore in this community. E) Elephants help other populations survive by keeping out many of the large African predators.

Elephants are keystone species because elephants exhibit a disproportionate influence on the structure of the community relative to their abundance (Option A).

Keynote species are fundamental species for the homeostasis of the ecosystem in which they live.

These species (keynote species) define the ecosystem where they inhabit.

The absence/extinction of a keystone species may dramatically change the entire ecosystem and community or even cease to exist altogether.

In conclusion, elephants are keystone species because elephants exhibit a disproportionate influence on the structure of the community relative to their abundance (Option A).

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