Keystone Species Essay
Budget: $15 – $25 USD
Discuss two specific keystone species that we've covered in class. (For example, don't just say "shark.")
What is their niche? (Apex predator, creates habitat, etc.)
If you picked an apex predator, be sure to explain how it regulates competition. (For example, without Pisaster, mussels become the top competitors.)
Discuss how it relates to food webs. Based on where these animals are on the food chain, explain if they are abundant in numbers or not.
Where do these species live (range)?
Are there any threats to any of these species? (The attached video starts off by talking about wolves.)
You are welcome to discuss my research in terms of how elk took overgrazed in New Mexico once the mountain lions had been removed.
When discussing how one species takes over (elk), you should include terms like "monoculture" and "trophic cascade."
Make sure you include properly written scientific names.
What is their niche? (Apex predator, creates habitat, etc.)
If you picked an apex predator, be sure to explain how it regulates competition. (For example, without Pisaster, mussels become the top competitors.)
Discuss how it relates to food webs. Based on where these animals are on the food chain, explain if they are abundant in numbers or not.
Where do these species live (range)?
Are there any threats to any of these species? (The attached video starts off by talking about wolves.)
You are welcome to discuss my research in terms of how elk took overgrazed in New Mexico once the mountain lions had been removed.
When discussing how one species takes over (elk), you should include terms like "monoculture" and "trophic cascade."
Make sure you include properly written scientific names.