indicator species

American  

noun

1. indicator.

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indicator species Scientific  

1. A species whose presence, absence, or relative well-being in a given environment is a sign of the overall health of its ecosystem. By monitoring the condition and behavior of an indicator species, scientists can determine how changes in the environment are likely to affect other species that are more difficult to study.

2. Compare keystone species

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Example Sentences

Surveys of butterflies are important for conservation because they are known as indicator species, meaning rises and falls in their populations can predict the health of the wider ecosystem.

From BBC

“Butterflies are a key indicator species; when they are in trouble we know that the wider environment is in trouble too,” he said.

From BBC

Polar bears are what is known as an indicator species, meaning they predict the health and viability of the broader Arctic ecosystem.

From New York Times

“The science shows that if you have roughly 70% natives, you’re going to be able to support a healthy bird population, and they’re the key indicator species for environmental health,” she said.

From Seattle Times

The birds are an “indicator species,” serving as something of a canary in a coal mine.

From Seattle Times