In Paine's studies of ecosystems in the rocky intertidal zone, removal of Pisaster sea stars led to a long-term
A) decrease in mussels of the genus Mytilus.
B) increase in mussels of the genus Mytilus.
C) increase in species diversity.
D) increase in gooseneck barnacles.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Paine's studies showed that removing Pisaster sea stars, a keystone predator, led to an increase in mussels of the genus Mytilus, which outcompeted other species, reducing overall species diversity.

In Paine's Studies of Ecosystems in the Rocky Intertidal Zone