Keystone Species Types

Front

What is a keystone species?

Back

A species that plays a critical role in the health, maintenance, growth, or definition of an ecosystem.

Front

What term describes two or more species that engage in mutually beneficial interactions?

Back

Mutualists.

Front

What is an invasive species?

Back

A species that does not belong in a balanced ecosystem, comes in, and changes it (usually for the worse).

Front

What role does a predator play in an ecosystem?

Back

A species that helps to manage prey populations, which in turn controls the ecosystem's producers (vegetation).

Front

What is an umbrella species?

Back

A species whose value is tied to its large geographic range, and sometimes includes migratory organisms.

Front

How do keystone species affect biodiversity?

Back

Keystone species help maintain the structure of an ecological community, affecting the types and numbers of various species.

Front

What is the difference between a keystone species and a dominant species?

Back

A keystone species has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance, while a dominant species is the most abundant species in an ecosystem.

Front

Can you give an example of a keystone species?

Back

Sea otters are a classic example; they control sea urchin populations, which in turn helps maintain kelp forest ecosystems.

Front

What impact do invasive species have on ecosystems?

Back

Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, disrupt food webs, and lead to declines in biodiversity.

Front

What is the role of mutualists in an ecosystem?

Back

Mutualists engage in interactions that benefit both species involved, such as pollinators and flowering plants.