keystone species
a species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed the ecosystem would change drastically.
Keystone species are species that play an essential role in maintaining the balance and diversity of an ecosystem. These species have a disproportionately large impact on the ecosystem’s structure and function, despite their relative rarity or low abundance. The loss of a keystone species can have significant and cascading effects on the ecosystem as a whole, potentially leading to the collapse of the entire ecosystem.
One classic example of a keystone species is the sea otter. Sea otters feed on sea urchins, which in turn feed on kelp. Without sea otters, the sea urchin population can explode, leading to a significant decline in kelp forests. As kelp forests provide important habitat and food sources for a variety of species, the disappearance of this habitat can cause a ripple effect throughout the entire food web, negatively impacting the entire ecosystem.
Another example of a keystone species is the African elephant. These animals are considered a keystone species because they help to maintain the grasslands they inhabit by knocking down trees and shrubs, allowing grasses to grow. This action supports a diversity of grazers, such as zebras and antelopes, which in turn support predators like lions and hyenas. Without the elephants, the grasslands can become overgrown and dominated by trees and shrubs, leading to a decrease in grassland species and a decline in overall ecosystem health.
In summary, keystone species play vital roles in ecosystems, and their decline or loss can have critical impacts on the stability and health of these natural systems.
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