keystone species
Scientific-
A species whose presence and role within an ecosystem has a disproportionate effect on other organisms within the system. A keystone species is often a dominant predator whose removal allows a prey population to explode and often decreases overall diversity. Other kinds of keystone species are those, such as coral or beavers, that significantly alter the habitat around them and thus affect large numbers of other organisms.
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Compare indicator species
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Proponents hailed lions as a keystone species that enhances biodiversity and pointed out the affection they generate — from Los Angeles’ late, famed P-22 to the lion that recently strolled through San Francisco.
From Los Angeles Times
They "play a central role in the food web, consuming fish and invertebrates and recycling nutrients" and are one of the "keystone species" of their ecosystem.
From Barron's
Some scientists trying to recover sunflower sea stars see the finding as a strong guide for future research — and efforts to boost the decimated keystone species.
From Los Angeles Times
The orangutan is a keystone species and plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem.
From Salon
Sunflower sea stars are considered a keystone species, meaning they are critical in regulating the stability and diversity of their ecosystems.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
