Chapter 8 Community Ecology

Free-Response Question
Directions: Answer all parts of the following Free-Response Question as thoroughly and
specifically as possible. Support your answers with relevant information and/or specific
examples. The suggested time to complete this Free-Response Question is approximately
20 minutes.
The Endangered Species Act is designed to preserve species who are on the brink of
extinction. This means that there numbers are sufficiently low that unless some action is
taken, they will be lost forever. However, many scientists believe that risk of extinction in
not the only reason to save certain species. There are other compelling reasons to save
species, such as their role in the community and their ability to alter community structure.
Below is a list of different types of species, based on their contribution to the community.
Explain whether or not we should attempt to preserve each type of species listed,
regardless of their risk of extinction. Provide a specific rationale for your decision on
each species type.
(a) Indicator species

(b) Keystone species

(c) Early succession species (pioneer species)

(d) Predatory species

(e) Invasive species