What are Keystone Species?
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 community is more than just a collection of species. Typically, keystone species do not require huge habitats and hence remain limited to the ecosystem. Keystone species are usually non-migratory and have an impact on a specific environment or habitat.
Keystone species are the cohesive elements of a habitat; they might include plants, animals, or even microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. Keystone species are those whose importance to an ecosystem is such that their presence and function have a significant, sometimes disproportionate, impact on other creatures in the ecosystem that make up their habitat.
Keystone Species and Their Role in Ecosystem
Keystone species are those that are unique and essential to the functioning of an ecosystem. Keystone species research provides essential theory and evidence for conservation ecology, biodiversity, habitat management, and the dynamics and stability of the ecosystem. Their daily actions have a direct or indirect impact on a wide range of other species. Keystone species can also include herbivores. They contribute to the biological and physical regulation of an environment through their consumption of plants.
Table of Content
- What are Keystone Species?
- Where Did the Name ‘Keystone’ Come From?
- Types of Keystone Species
- Importance of Keystone Species
- Keystone Species Examples
- Keystone Species Examples In India