keystone species

1. A species whose presence and role within an ecosystem has a disproportionate effect on other organisms within the system. A keystone species is often a dominant predator whose removal allows a prey population to explode and often decreases overall diversity. Other kinds of keystone species are those, such as coral or beavers, that significantly alter the habitat around them and thus affect large numbers of other organisms.

2. Compare indicator species

Example Sentences

Some scientists trying to recover sunflower sea stars see the finding as a strong guide for future research — and efforts to boost the decimated keystone species.

From Los Angeles Times

The orangutan is a keystone species and plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem.

From Salon

Sunflower sea stars are considered a keystone species, meaning they are critical in regulating the stability and diversity of their ecosystems.

From Los Angeles Times

The animals are regarded as "keystone" species which can create and maintain habitats for diverse other species.

From BBC

If the keystone species puts a check on urchins, allowing kelp forests to heal, we could recover an economic driver and a powerful tool for fighting climate change.

From Los Angeles Times