A wolf is shown in the image below. What is the role of wolves in their ecosystem?
Wolves prey on elk, bison, and occasionally livestock. Many years ago, the government took steps to reduce the wolf population.
However, in the absence of wolves, populations of their prey increased disproportionately, causing a decline in the population of plant
species. This decline disrupted the ecosystem. Following a study of the wolves' impact, ecologists regarded wolves as
the
of the ecosystem, as their absence caused a
effect on the ecosystem.

Keystone
Prey
Diverse

Beneficial
Domino
Minor