What is a Keystone Species: Definition, Types, Characteristics, Importance, Examples, and Ecological Role

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 Introduction:      A keystone species is an organism that plays a disproportionately large role in maintaining the structure, stability, and functioning of an ecosystem. Another definition of keystone species is a species whose impact on its ecosystem is disproportionately large relative to its abundance or biomass. They are named after the keystone in a stone arch, the central wedge-shaped stone that holds the entire arch together. In 1969 zoologist Robert T. Paine used this architectural term as a metaphor to describe the critical role of these species. Although keystone species are often low in abundance, their removal can cause major changes throughout an ecosystem. Not all dominant or abundant species are keystone species. A keystone species is identified by the magnitude of its ecological impact rather than by its population size. Some keystone species are abundant, while others are relatively rare. Keystone in a stone arch History of keystone species concept...
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Understanding Renewable resources and Non-Renewable resources

Renewable Resources:

    Sources that can be reuse again and again are called renewable resources. Some renewable resources are water, land and air. Natural cycles make them reusable. 

Water:

    Water is a natural source of energy. Approximately 97% of water is found in oceans and sea, 2.1% is present in glaciers and ice caps, 0.6% ground, 0.2% inland and 0.001% in the form of vapors. Seawater contains a high concentration of dissolved salts, making it unfit for daily use. Only about 2% of water is potable (fit for drinking). Water can be used to generate energy. hydroelectric power the electricity generated by movement of water, typically by using dams that harness the energy from flowing or falling water.

Land or soil:

    Land, specifically soil, is technically renewable but only when managed properly. A large number of minerals, both organic and inorganic, come from soil and are essential for plants. It provides support to plants and animals.

Air:

    Moving air is called wind. Today, windmills capture wind to produce electricity, which drives generators. Wind can vary in temperature and pressure. When the wind is stops, the windmills automatically stop as well. Windmills are built at specific location where winds are strong.

Solar energy:

    Solar energy comes from the heat radiation of the sun. These radiations are captured by solar panels, which then produce electricity. Heat is captured and causes rise in temperature.

Benefits of renewable resources:

  • These are less pollution.
  • These are can be use for long time.
  • These are economically beneficial because they are cheaper than other resources.
  • They are found in large quantities.
  • These are ecofriendly.

 Non-renewable Resources:

       Sources of energy that cannot be reused after being consumed, are called non-renewable resources. These include fossil fuels(coal, natural gas, nuclear energy and petroleum), metals and non-metallic minerals. These resources cannot be recycled in nature. These sources are limited and human is completely depend on it as a energy source. 

Coal:

    Coal is found in the earth crust by decomposing of wood under high temperature and pressure, the time period is about 500 millions years. It appears as a black rock. Firstly bacteria and other chemical reactions convert wood in peat and than peat transform into coal. Coal is generally used for generate electricity. About 80% is used for baking bricks in lime kilns.

Natural gas:

    Natural gas is formed by decomposition of organic compounds. It is mixture of low boiling points hydrocarbons. Methane has lower boiling point, so major portion is composed of methane. It is used for power generate in power station and automobiles, cement industries and domestic purpose.

Petroleum:

    Refined form of mineral oil is called petroleum. Crude oil is refine by cracking (breaking of higher hydrocarbons into lower hydrocarbons). It is also used for power generate in auto mobiles.

Conservation of resources:

    It is important need to balanced use of resources.
  • Promote 3R cycle(reduce, reuse and recycle). 
  • Use efficient machines for less loss of power.



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