PIMSO 2025 - Science - Secondary 3 - National Round Question 1

Question 1

Keystone species are organisms that largely define the ecosystem they inhabit, and if removed, will result in drastic changes in the ecosystem. The term comes from the word “keystone” in stone bridges, wherein removal of the keystone leads to collapse of the bridge. In the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, fig trees are considered to be one of the keystone species. The following choices therefore describe why fig trees are keystones species, EXCEPT which one?

Fig trees provide fruits as a food resource, especially in times of food scarcity.
Fig trees provide shelter to many organisms.
Fig trees rely only on fig wasps for pollination.
Roots of fig trees hold the ground firmly, preventing landscape changes.