A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its natural environment relative to its abundance. The concept was introduced in 1969 by the zoologist Robert T. Paine.

Sep 24, 2025 · What is a Keystone Species? A keystone species is an animal or organism that holds an ecosystem together. The loss of the organism results in the dramatic change or destruction of the …

Keystone species often perform ecological functions that no other species can replicate. Their roles are so specialized that their absence can’t be compensated for, leading to disruptions in ecosystem …

Keystone species, in ecology, a species that has a disproportionately large effect on the communities in which it lives; many are apex predators (meaning without a natural predator or enemy).

Jan 7, 2025 · Every ecosystem has certain species that are critical to the survival of the other species in the system. The keystone species could be a huge predator or an unassuming plant, but without …

Jun 12, 2025 · The term keystone species describes a species that occupies a key ecological role duplicated by no other species in the ecosystem. Without the keystone species, the entire ecosystem …

The concept of keystone species includes a variety of organisms, each influencing their ecosystems uniquely. These species can be broadly classified into predators, mutualists, and engineers, with …

May 6, 2023 · Learn about keystone species in ecology. Get the definition and examples and discover the importance of a keystone species in an ecosystem.

Jul 23, 2025 · A keystone species is any species whose removal from an ecosystem hurts the overall variety and stability of the ecosystem. The concept of keystone species implies that an ecological …

What Is a Keystone Species? While the definition of keystone species might vary, its biological and simplest definition is any species that causes a disproportionately large effect on its environment. …