Fig trees can maintatin community structure during food scarcity in tropical deciduous forest. These act as

Options

A. Exotic species
B. Pioneer species
C. Edge species
D. Key stone species

Answer

To solve the question regarding the role of fig trees in maintaining community structure during food scarcity in tropical deciduous forests, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Context**:
- Recognize that the question is about the role of fig trees in a specific ecosystem, namely tropical deciduous forests. These forests experience seasonal changes, including periods of food scarcity.

2. **Identifying the Options**:
- The options provided are: exotic species, pioneer species, endangered species, and keystone species. We need to evaluate each option to determine which best describes the role of fig trees.

3. **Evaluating Exotic Species**:
- Exotic species are those that are introduced to an area by humans. Fig trees are native to tropical regions and are not introduced by humans, so this option is incorrect.

4. **Evaluating Pioneer Species**:
- Pioneer species are the first to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems. While fig trees can be important in succession, they are not specifically described as pioneer species in the context of maintaining community structure during food scarcity. Thus, this option is also incorrect.

5. **Evaluating Endangered Species**:
- Endangered species are those that are at risk of extinction. Fig trees do not fit this description in the context of their role in maintaining community structure, making this option incorrect as well.

6. **Evaluating Keystone Species**:
- Keystone species are those that have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance. Fig trees provide critical resources (like fruits) during times of food scarcity, supporting various species in the ecosystem. Their presence is crucial for maintaining the community structure, making this option the correct answer.

7. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the evaluations, fig trees act as keystone species in tropical deciduous forests, especially during periods of food scarcity.

### Final Answer:
**Fig trees act as keystone species in maintaining community structure during food scarcity in tropical deciduous forests.**

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