keystone species
Plural
keystone species
1
a plant or animal that plays a very important role in keeping the balance of its environment, and if it disappears, many other living things can be affected
- Sea otters are a keystone species because they help control sea urchin numbers.
- Wolves are seen as a keystone species in some forests.
- The park protects its keystone species to keep nature balanced.
- When a keystone species is removed, other species can grow too much or die out.
- Losing a keystone species can harm plants, animals, and even water quality.