In biology, the term 'keystone species' refers to a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance. Such species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community. Their presence influences the types and numbers of other species in the ecosystem. If a keystone species is removed, the ecosystem may drastically change or even collapse, leading to a loss of biodiversity. Classic examples include predators that control herbivore populations, thereby preventing overgrazing of vegetation.
🎧 Conferencia de audio
Professor: Let's talk about a real example of a keystone species. Consider the sea otter, which lives in kelp forests along the Pacific coast. Sea otters prey on sea urchins. Without otters, the urchin population explodes, and they devour the kelp. Kelp provides habitat and food for many fish and invertebrates. In areas where otters were hunted to near extinction, the kelp forests disappeared, and the ecosystem became barren—fish and other marine life declined sharply. But when otters were protected and reintroduced, they controlled the urchins again, and the kelp forests recovered, bringing back the diverse community. So, the otter's role is small in number but huge in impact.
❓ Pregunta Using the example from the lecture, explain the concept of keystone species.
📊 Rúbrica TOEFL Speaking Task 3
Delivery: Fluency, pronunciation, intonation
Language Use: Grammar, vocabulary, sentence variety
Topic Development: Accurately explain the reading concept and restate the lecture examples
Scored 0-30 based on holistic scoring (original 0-4, scaled to 30). 30s preparation, 60s response.
💡 Consejos
Note the core concept definition from the reading (usually 1-2 sentences)
Record 1-2 specific examples the professor uses in the lecture
Start with the concept definition, then explain with lecture examples
Use template phrases: "The reading defines... The professor illustrates this by..."
Keep within 60s; ensure clarity and fluency
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