Keystone species play critical roles in their ecosystems. What are keystone species, What is their niche? Give relevant examples in your illustration.
Definition:
A species that plays a vital role in defining an ecosystem is known as a keystone species. Without its species diversity, the ecosystem would either not exist at all or change significantly. Keystone species are those species whose importance to an ecosystem is such that their impact on other organisms in the system is disproportionate. The ecosystem is held together by a keystone species. By maintaining stable populations or by actively fostering a variety of niches for other organisms, it regulates how the ecosystem functions. An ecosystem becomes unstable without a keystone species, and it eventually collapses.
The wedge-shaped stone on an arch is where the phrase "keystone" originated. Without it, the entire arch would collapse even though it is under the lowest stress of all the stones.
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