❓ Question According to the passage, which of the following best explains why the starfish Pisaster ochraceus is considered a keystone species?
- A. A. It is the most abundant predator in the intertidal zone, consuming a large number of mussels.
- B. B. Its presence prevents a single species from dominating, thereby maintaining high species diversity.
- C. C. It directly enhances the growth of algae by controlling herbivore populations.
- D. D. It primarily relies on abiotic factors for its survival, making it resilient to environmental changes.