An important species of the Chesapeake Bay community is the Virginia oyster.

The larvae of these oysters settle on top of mature oysters, forming large oyster reefs. Oyster reefs allow small

fishes to avoid predators and provide shelter for a variety of marine invertebrates.

Which of the following best describes the role of Virginia oysters in the Chesapeake Bay?

Choose 1 answer:

An invasive species

A foundation species

A dominant species

A pioneer species

Question

Veronica Olsen

Biology

20 December, 16:08

An important species of the Chesapeake Bay community is the Virginia oyster.

The larvae of these oysters settle on top of mature oysters, forming large oyster reefs. Oyster reefs allow small

fishes to avoid predators and provide shelter for a variety of marine invertebrates.

Which of the following best describes the role of Virginia oysters in the Chesapeake Bay?

Choose 1 answer:

An invasive species

A foundation species

A dominant species

A pioneer species

+5

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Jaelyn Dorsey · Answer 1

Option B, Foundation species

Explanation:

Foundation species are the one that play a major role in creating and maintaining the habitat. These species support other species and can fit in at any trophic level of the food chain.

These species are also referred as ecosystem engineer as they contribute in designing the ecosystem.

Some examples of foundation species are - Corals, Earthworms, Beavers etc.

Hence, option B is correct