Predatory Keystone Species

Definition

Predatory keystone species are predators whose presence contributes significantly to maintaining the diversity and structure of an ecological community, influencing the types and numbers of various other species in their ecosystem.

Analogy

Consider predatory keystone species as a strict school principal. The principal maintains order and discipline among students (other species), preventing any one group from dominating others. Similarly, predatory keystone species control the population of certain animals, preventing them from overpopulating and disrupting the balance of the ecosystem.

Related terms

Trophic Cascade: An ecological phenomenon triggered by the addition or removal of top predators and involving reciprocal changes in relative populations of predator and prey through a food chain.

Biomass Pyramid: A graphical representation that illustrates the relative amount of living organic matter available at each trophic level in an ecosystem.

Food Web: A system of interlocking and interdependent food chains.