Use the image below to answer the question.

The plants are eaten by consumers at the first level, such as a mouse, grasshopper, whiptail, frog, squirrel, and deer. The consumers at the second level, such as ringtail, eagle, and pine marten eat the consumers at the first level. The consumers at the third level, such as wolf, mountain lion, and bobcat eat the consumers at the second level. Some of the consumers at the first level are also eaten by consumers at the third level.



Of the predators in the image, which one is most likely a keystone species?

(1 point)
Responses

frog
frog

mountain lion
mountain lion

pine marten
pine marten

ringtail

ringtail

are you sure

I apologize for the confusion. Based on the given information, the mountain lion is most likely a keystone species. Keystone species are those that have a significant impact on their ecosystem, often by regulating the population of other species. Since the mountain lion is at the top of the food chain in this image and feeds on consumers at the second level, it likely plays a crucial role in maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

which is the answer

The answer is mountain lion.