What term describes a species whose removal would affect many other species, both directly and indirectly

The correct answer is- Key stone species

Explanation:

Keystone species is that species whose presence and number in the ecosystem plays an important role in balancing the ecosystem and without them, the other species would be affected directly and indirectly.

A dominant predator is considered to be a keystone species because the removal of that predator allow their prey to explode in numbers which will decrease the overall biodiversity of the area. Prairie dogs, otters, bison are the examples of keystone species. So the correct answer is B. Key stone species.

explanation:

the fossil record extends back to a dog-like ancestor some 55 million years ago, which gave rise to the first horse-like species 55 to 42 million years ago in the genus eohippus.