What role do keystone species play in the ecosystem?

Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure and integrity of their ecosystems, primarily by supporting a diverse array of other species. They often exert a disproportionately large influence on their environment relative to their abundance. For example, a keystone predator can control the population sizes of various prey species, preventing any single species from dominating and thus promoting greater biodiversity.

This increase in species richness and diversity fosters a more resilient ecosystem, where multiple species can coexist and contribute to various ecological functions, such as nutrient cycling, habitat provision, and overall stability. By influencing the dynamics of their ecosystems in this manner, keystone species are essential for sustaining ecological complexity and health.