What is the role of keystone species in an ecosystem? (2022)

What is the role of keystone species in an ecosystem? (2022)

Step 1: Understand what a keystone species is. A keystone species is a type of organism that plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem.
Step 2: Recognize that keystone species have a large impact on their environment. This means that their presence or absence can significantly change the ecosystem.
Step 3: Identify examples of keystone species. For instance, wolves in Yellowstone National Park help control the population of deer, which in turn affects the entire plant community.
Step 4: Learn how keystone species affect other organisms. They can influence the population sizes of other species, which helps maintain balance in the ecosystem.
Step 5: Conclude that without keystone species, ecosystems can become unbalanced, leading to a loss of biodiversity and changes in habitat.

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