What is the ecological role of keystone species in sustaining food chains? 🔊
Keystone species play a crucial ecological role in sustaining food chains by maintaining the structure and diversity of their ecosystems. They exert a significant impact on their environment relative to their abundance, often influencing species composition and ecosystem functions. For instance, predators can control herbivore populations, preventing overgrazing and allowing plant diversity to flourish. The removal of a keystone species can lead to dramatic shifts in ecosystem dynamics, highlighting their importance in preserving ecological balance and functionality. Protecting keystone species is therefore essential for maintaining ecosystem health.
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