The species of plants that play a vital role in controlling the relative abundance of other species in a community are called

Options

A. Edge species
B. Keystone species
C. Pioneer species
D. Seral species

Answer

To solve the question regarding the species of plants that play a vital role in controlling the relative abundance of other species in a community, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Question**: The question asks for a specific term that describes plant species that control the abundance of other species in a community.

2. **Analyze the Options**: The options provided are:
- A) Edge species
- B) Keystone species
- C) Pioneer species
- D) Feral species

3. **Define Each Option**:
- **Edge Species**: These are species that thrive in the transition areas between different ecosystems, but they do not specifically control the abundance of other species.
- **Keystone Species**: These are species that have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance. They play a crucial role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community.
- **Pioneer Species**: These are the first species to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems, playing a role in ecological succession, but not in controlling abundance.
- **Feral Species**: These are domesticated species that have returned to the wild, and they do not play a role in controlling other species' abundance.

4. **Identify the Correct Answer**: Based on the definitions, the term that best describes the species of plants that control the relative abundance of other species is **keystone species** (Option B).

5. **Explain the Importance of Keystone Species**: Keystone species, although they may constitute a small portion of the total biomass in a community, have a significant impact on the ecosystem's structure and function. Their removal can lead to drastic changes in the community, often resulting in ecological imbalance.

### Final Answer:
The species of plants that play a vital role in controlling the relative abundance of other species in a community are called **keystone species**.

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