What is the role of a keystone species?

A keystone species plays a critical role in maintaining the structure and integrity of its ecosystem. The presence or absence of this species has a disproportionate impact on the environment and the community of organisms within it. Keystone species help to regulate populations of other species, thus maintaining biodiversity and supporting the complex interrelationships that exist within an ecosystem.

For instance, predators, which can function as keystone species, control the population of prey species, preventing any single species from dominating the habitat. This promotes a more balanced and diverse ecological community. Similarly, a keystone species can also be a plant that provides essential resources for various animals, affecting which other species thrive in that habitat. Understanding the role of a keystone species helps in grasping the dynamics of ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity in environmental health.