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What Is a Keystone Species?; A keystone species is a species whose very presence contributes to a diversity of life and whose extinction would consequently lead to the extinction of other forms of life. Keystone species help to support the ecosystem (entire community of life) of which they are a part.
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www.prairiedogs.org/keystone.html
www.prairiedogs.org/keystone.html
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The keystone species concept has been a mainstay of the ecological and conservation biology literature since its introduction by UW zoology professor Robert T. Paine in 1969. His seminal paper extended the conclusions of a field experiment published three years earlier.
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www.washington.edu/research/pathbreakers/1969g.html
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A keystone is the stone at the top of an arch that supports the other stones and keeps the whole arch from falling. A keystone species is a species on which the persistence of a large number of other species in the ecosystem depends.
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www.bagheera.com/inthewild/spot_spkey.htm
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Hypothetical Example to Illustrate the Complexity of Rainforest Relationships and the Removal of a Keystone Species; ... The net result from the elimination of a single keystone species, the agouti, meant the eventual extinction of at least eight species from the forest patch. Although the forest in this example was...
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www.mongabay.com/02keystone.htm
www.mongabay.com/02keystone.htm
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Salmon are keystone species in the rainforest. Not only are they a critical fall food source for the grizzly bear, wolves, eagles and otters, but they also act as fertilizer for the trees. ... Salmon are highly dependent on the quality freshwater and riparian habitat found in intact old growth forests. ... Umbrella Species...
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www.savethegreatbear.org/CAD/Salmon.htm
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Sea Otters — A Classic Keystone Species ... The classic tale of a keystone species is that of the sea otter, which was once found in abundance along the West Coast of North America. The story goes something like this:
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www.grinningplanet.com/2004/06-22/keystone-species-arti...
www.grinningplanet.com/2004/06-22/keystone-species-article.htm
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A keystone species is a species that has a major influence on the structure of an ecosystem. Its presence impacts many other members of the ecosystem, and if its population dwindles or disappears, there can be far-reaching consequences for the ecosystem.
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www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/se...
www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/seasshark.html
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Keystone Species in Our Aquariums; | Read Other Articles | ... While the precise definition of keystone species is a matter of controversy amongst ecologists, we feel that these debates over definitions are not as important as simply accepting the fact that there are species whose very existence influences and even...
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www.aquariumpros.com/articles/keystone.shtml
www.aquariumpros.com/articles/keystone.shtml
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