Explain the concept of a keystone species.

Explain the concept of a keystone species.

A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and functioning of the ecosystem. The removal or loss of a keystone species can lead to significant changes in the ecosystem, often resulting in the decline or loss of other species and a disruption of the overall balance. Keystone species can have various roles, such as controlling population sizes of other species, influencing community composition, or modifying the physical environment.