A keystone species is a plant or animal species that has a disproportionately large impact on its environment relative to its abundance. This species plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of an ecosystem. If a keystone species is removed, the ecosystem can be dramatically altered or even collapse. Keystone species are often important in regulating population sizes of other species, maintaining biodiversity, and promoting ecosystem stability.
Make it shorter
A keystone species is a plant or animal that has a big impact on its ecosystem. If this species is removed, it can disrupt the entire ecosystem.
Give an example
One example of a keystone species is the sea otter. Sea otters are considered a keystone species in kelp forest ecosystems because they help control the population of sea urchins, which feed on kelp. Without sea otters, sea urchin populations can increase, leading to overgrazing of kelp forests and a decline in biodiversity in the ecosystem.
