Keystone species in ecology are organisms that have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystem relative to their abundance. These species play a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of the ecosystem. They help regulate the populations of other species in the ecosystem, and their presence or absence can have significant effects on the overall biodiversity and health of the ecosystem. Examples of keystone species include predators that control herbivore populations or species that provide critical habitat for other organisms.
