Where Did the Name ‘Keystone’ Come From?
This term originated in Robert Paine’s study in 1966 on a rocky shore community in California, where the entire species assemblage collapsed when the top predator (carnivorous starfish-pisasterochracceus) was removed. The concept of keystone species originated from the thought that the species diversity of an ecosystem was controlled by the predators in the food chains, and they affected many other creatures in the ecosystem.
Keystone Species and Their Role in Ecosystem
Keystone species are those that are unique and essential to the functioning of an ecosystem. Keystone species research provides essential theory and evidence for conservation ecology, biodiversity, habitat management, and the dynamics and stability of the ecosystem. Their daily actions have a direct or indirect impact on a wide range of other species. Keystone species can also include herbivores. They contribute to the biological and physical regulation of an environment through their consumption of plants.
Table of Content
- What are Keystone Species?
- Where Did the Name ‘Keystone’ Come From?
- Types of Keystone Species
- Importance of Keystone Species
- Keystone Species Examples
- Keystone Species Examples In India
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