Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and stability of ecosystems. These species have a disproportionately large impact on their environment compared to their abundance. They help regulate the populations of other species, control the distribution of plant and animal species, and influence the overall health of the ecosystem. By their presence, keystone species help promote biodiversity and can even prevent the dominance of one species, thereby preserving the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The loss of a keystone species can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem, leading to disruptions in food chains, habitat destruction, and potentially even ecosystem collapse.
