Key Stone Species Notes
Keystone Species- Plant or animal that plays a major role in how an ecosystem functions.
Without the keystone species, the ecosystem will cease to exist.
Species in an ecosystem (habitat) rely on each other. Contributions of the keystone species is larger to the other species contributions to the habitat. Small numbers of keystone species can be a huge impact on the environment.
Keystone species are often predators. Predators can control distribution and population of prey species.
The disappearance of the keystone species will create a domino effect. After the keystone species are gone, the other species will also be gone and will become extinct. The keystone species disappearance could affect other species that rely on it to survive.
Foundation Species: Plays a major role in creating or maintaining a habitat that supports other species.
Umbrella Species: Large animal/other organism in which many other species depend. Similar to keystone species, but this species are migratory and need a large habitat.
Indicator Species: Plant or animal that is sensitive to environmental changes in the ecosystem. It is affected immediately by damage to the ecosystem and can give an early warning. Damage from external influences include, pollution of water and air/climate change.
Without the keystone species, the ecosystem will cease to exist.
Species in an ecosystem (habitat) rely on each other. Contributions of the keystone species is larger to the other species contributions to the habitat. Small numbers of keystone species can be a huge impact on the environment.
Keystone species are often predators. Predators can control distribution and population of prey species.
The disappearance of the keystone species will create a domino effect. After the keystone species are gone, the other species will also be gone and will become extinct. The keystone species disappearance could affect other species that rely on it to survive.
Foundation Species: Plays a major role in creating or maintaining a habitat that supports other species.
Umbrella Species: Large animal/other organism in which many other species depend. Similar to keystone species, but this species are migratory and need a large habitat.
Indicator Species: Plant or animal that is sensitive to environmental changes in the ecosystem. It is affected immediately by damage to the ecosystem and can give an early warning. Damage from external influences include, pollution of water and air/climate change.