What is the term for a top predator that contributes to the maintenance of species diversity among its animal prey?

A) keystone species

B) keystone mutualist

C) landscape species

D) primary consumer

E) tertiary consumer

Option A, keystone species

Explanation:

Keystone species are responsible for controlling any species from becoming dominant over all other species. The keystone species are found at the top of all the energy pyramids and food chains.

They control the explosion of population of prey and hence regulate the overall ecological diversity.

Some common example of keystone species is as follows -

Bison, prairie dog, large mammalian predators,

Hence, option A is correct