Keystone species are crucial for maintaining the balance and diversity of an ecosystem. They play a disproportionately large role in the ecosystem compared to their abundance. Their presence affects the population of other species and influences the structure and function of the entire ecosystem. Removing a keystone species can lead to cascading effects, causing the ecosystem to become imbalanced or even collapse. Examples of keystone species include predators that control prey populations, engineers that modify habitats, or species that are essential for pollination. Overall, keystone species are vital for the health and stability of ecosystems.
