Researchers are studying the ecological roles of various species within a temperate forest ecosystem. They identify one large mammal species whose presence is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and diversity of the ecosystem, several bird species whose population changes indicate the health of the ecosystem, and a charismatic big cat used in conservation campaigns. Which of the following best assigns the correct ecological role to each described species?
1
The large mammal is an umbrella species; the birds are indicator species; the big cat is a flagship species.
2
The large mammal is a keystone species; the birds are umbrella species; the big cat is an indicator species.
3
The large mammal is a flagship species; the birds are keystone species; the big cat is an umbrella species.
4
The large mammal is a keystone species; the birds are indicator species; the big cat is a flagship species.