Keystone Species

Benefits of keystone species

1. enhances habitats 2. regulates animal populations 3. recycles nutrients and waste 4. pollination 5. removes genetic weakness

Grey wolves

A keystone predator found in Yellowstone Park. Their disappearance and reappearance in the park caused major changes in the environment.

The original keystone

A wedge shaped slab at the peak of a stone slab that holds all other stones together.

Purple sea star

Common starfish found in the Pacific Ocean that help control the population of mussels.

Keystone modifiers

One of five categories of keystone species. A type of ecosystem "engineer" that creates or changes its habitat.

Keystone hosts

One of five categories of keystone species. Plants and other producers that provide food and shelter for keystone species

Keystone mutualists

One of five categories of keystone species. They help and receive help from their surroundings. Everyone benefits from their service.

Keystone prey

One of five categories of keystone species. They impact/affect the surrounding population of other animals, like keystone predators.

Keystone predators

One of five categories of keystone species. When removed from their ecosystem, populations of their prey increase.

Keystone species

Organisms, (living things) that play a unique and crucial role in the ecosystem. They hold their ecosystems together.

African forest elephants

Sometimes known as the "mega gardeners of the forest", their daily routines help other creatures survive by providing food, gardening services, and fertilizer.