Which of the following statements is incorrect about a keystone species?
Species other than consumers can be a keystone species.
Keystone species have influence on a community proportionate to its abundance.
Removing a keystone species can reduce species richness of a community.
Removing a keystone species can affect successive trophic levels causing a trophic cascade.
A keystone species is a species that has a significant impact on the structure and function of an ecosystem, regardless of its abundance. Their presence or absence can greatly affect the dynamics of a community. Contrary to the incorrect statement, the influence of a keystone species is not directly proportional to its abundance. In fact, even if a keystone species is not numerically dominant, it can still exert a disproportionately large influence on the ecosystem. Removing a keystone species can lead to a reduction in species richness within the community and can also trigger a trophic cascade, affecting successive trophic levels. Overall, keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and stability of ecosystems.Hence, the correct answer is option 2.