What is the potential impact on the environment if the Yangtze giant soft shell turtle were to become extinct?

If the Yangtze giant soft shell turtle were to become extinct, it could disrupt the aquatic ecosystem of the Yangtze River by altering the food chain and impacting species that rely on it as a predator or prey. As a keystone species, its absence may lead to overpopulation of certain species, further degrading water quality and habitat. Additionally, the loss of this turtle could diminish biodiversity and weaken the resilience of the ecosystem to environmental changes. Overall, the extinction of this turtle would signify a loss of ecological balance and could have cascading effects on other species and the health of the river system.