keystone species

What is a keystone species?

A keystone species is an organism that plays a critical role in the structure, function, and stability of an ecosystem. Its impact is disproportionately large relative to its abundance.

How do keystone species affect biodiversity?

Keystone species help maintain biodiversity by controlling populations of other species. Without them, certain species might overpopulate, leading to a decrease in other species.

Give some examples of keystone species and their impact.

Sea otters in kelp forests: They control sea urchin populations, which if unchecked, would decimate the kelp forests.
Beavers in river ecosystems: They create dams that alter water flow, creating diverse habitats for other species.

What happens if a keystone species is removed from an ecosystem?

The removal of a keystone species can lead to a trophic cascade, where changes at one level of the food web affect all other levels. This can result in significant ecosystem degradation.