GATE 2026 ES – Question 24
A species with an ecosystem impact disproportionately large relative to its population is called a ______ species.
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Correct answer: (B) Keystone
Explanation
A keystone species has an ecological effect much larger than its abundance would suggest; losing it can substantially change community structure. Dominance concerns abundance or biomass, and endemic concerns geographic restriction. An apex predator may be keystone but the terms are not equivalent. Hence **B**.