In what way do keystone species impact their ecosystems?

Keystone species play a vital role in maintaining the structure and dynamics of their ecosystems. These species have a disproportionately large impact relative to their abundance. Their activities help to regulate populations of other species and contribute to the overall health and stability of the ecosystem. For example, a predator that controls the population of herbivores ensures that plant communities can thrive, which in turn supports various other organisms in the habitat. This regulatory effect helps to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem function.

The impact of keystone species illustrates how relationships in ecological communities can be complex, where one species can be crucial to the health and sustainability of the ecosystem as a whole. Without keystone species, ecosystems may experience shifts leading to lower biodiversity and altered ecosystem functions, demonstrating their importance beyond mere abundance or numerical dominance.