Importance of Keystone Species:
A keystone species is a species that is disproportionately important in maintaining the structure of an ecological community. The loss of a keystone species can cause a dramatic change in the community’s structure.
- Species may have a cascading effect on the community, causing the loss of other species that are dependent on the keystone species.
- It can also lead to a loss of ecosystem services, such as pollination or water filtration.
- It is highlighted by the fact that they are often the first species to disappear from a community when it is disturbed.
- The importance of keystone species has been recognized by conservationists, who are working to protect keystone species from extinction.
