Predators
Predators, particularly apex predators at the top of a food chain, are often considered a keystone species as the keep the population of herbivores balanced.Herbivores
Herbivores may completely transform a landscape. For example, elephants convert vegetation into manure and prevent large trees from growing. This is important to the health of a savanna.Specialists
Species such as bees that play a critical role in pollination or beavers that create lakes, ponds and swamps with their dams.| Overview: Keystone Species | ||
Type | ||
Definition | A species that is critical to the health of an ecosystem in its pristine state. | |
Related Concepts | ||
