Prairie dogs are burrowing rodents that live in grasslands. What makes the prairie dog a keystone species in the ecosystem?

OPTIONS:

A) Prairie dogs are the main source of food for wolves and coyotes in the grassland. B) Prairie dogs are the species with the largest number of individuals in the grassland ecosystem. C) They successfully compete with the other herbivores for grass and are a major threat to these species. D) Their tunnels act as conduits for rain water to seep into the ground, thereby promoting the growth of grass.

D) Their tunnels act as conduits for rain water to seep into the ground, thereby promoting the growth of grass.

Explanation:

A keystone species is an organisms whose presence and population defines the existence or balance of the ecosystem where they are found. Any negative influence on their population would drastically bring a change and imbalance in an ecosystem. Their presence and activities in the ecosystem is vital and beneficial to other organisms in the ecosystem.

Prairie dogs are keystone species in the grassland ecosystem where they are found because the tunnels they burrow improves soil aeration, fertility as well as water percolation, which encourages the growth of grass in grasslands. Seeds easily germinate also with this improved soil condition.

increase soil erosion                                             reduce soil erosion

cattle grazing                                                         hydroseeding

deforestation                                                         contour plowing

                                                                                planting vegetation

plant roots basically hold the top soil

together and stop soil erosion because

in such situation top soil is not removed

during flood but cattle grazing causes

soil erosion because cattle consume the

grasses and herbs and top soil is exposed.

same situation occurs because of

deforestation, the trees and plants are cut

down to expose top soil which causes soil

erosion