Keystone species
A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance. This term was coined by American scientist Robert T.
About
This term was coined by American scientist Robert T. Paine in 1969, who used it to describe the effects of the starfish Pisaster ochraceus on the overall diversity and abundance of other organisms in the intertidal rocky shores of the Pacific Northwest. Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of an ecosystem by controlling the abundance of other species or by creating and altering habitats. They are often at the top of the food chain and can have cascading effects on lower trophic levels. Removing a keystone species from an ecosystem can lead to drastic changes such as loss of biodiversity, disruption of food webs, and altered nutrient cycling. Conservation efforts often focus on protecting and restoring keystone species to ensure the stability and health of ecosystems.