keystone species
Say it: KEE-stohn SPEE-sheez /ˈkiːstəʊn ˌspiːʃiːz/ · noun
What “keystone species” means
A species with an unusually large effect on its ecosystem.
More precisely: A species on which a whole ecosystem depends, so removing it changes everything.
When to use it
In ecology, for a species whose removal causes major changes across its ecosystem, even if it isn't very abundant.
Memory trick
An arch's keystone holds it together: picture one species supporting a whole ecosystem.
Similar words
linchpin, cornerstone
Where it comes from
From the keystone, the central stone that holds an arch together.
Quick check
Removing a small predator lets plant-eating animals multiply, stripping vegetation and changing the whole habitat. The predator was…
a keystone species or an indicator species?
Show the answer
a keystone species
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