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❓ 题目 According to the passage, what was the primary finding of Robert Paine's experiments with Pisaster ochraceus?

A. A) Removing the starfish increased overall species diversity by allowing more species to colonize the area.
B. B) The starfish had a small effect on the community because it was not abundant.
C. C) The presence of the starfish prevented mussels from outcompeting other species, thereby maintaining biodiversity.
D. D) The starfish's role was to modify the physical habitat, which indirectly benefited other species.

C) The presence of the starfish prevented mussels from outcompeting other species, thereby maintaining biodiversity.