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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Top 7 Ecological Facts


Fact 1(ecosystem and energy flow):

  • Different enviromental cycles(such as carbon, and nitrogen cycle) maintain the ecosystem. 
  • The ecosystem is also maintained through the food chains and the food webs.
  • About 82% of Earth's biomass consists of plants and trees(according to recent scientific estimate).
  • Ecosystem vary in size; they can range from microscopic areas to vast forests.
  • The flow of energy in an ecosystem begins with sunlight absorbed by plants and continues through each trophic level.
  • Only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to next.

Fact 2(Amazon Rainforest):

  • Amazon is the world's biggest natural rainforest. 
  • It is located in south America, and covers nine nations with 60% in Brazil, 13% in Peru, 10% in Colombia and some parts of French Guiana, Suriname, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Venezeula.
  • It roughly covers 40% of the South American continent. 
  • It is called "lungs of Earth" because its trees absorb a massive amount of carbon dioxide and release oxygen. It produces about 20% of oxygen and also consumes the same amount of carbondioxide. It regulates the climate on Earth. 
  • Amazon has a large diversity of plants, animals, and other organisms. It is the largest land ecosystem on Earth.
  • Approximately 25% of medicines are derived from Amazon's plants. 
  • The largest river by volume is found in this forest, which is named the Amazon River.
  • A large number of species are discovered from Amazon every year.
    Amazon Rainforest


Fact 3(Largest managed forest):

  • Changa Manga forest is second largest forest. It is a man-made forest.
  • It is located in Pakistan, approximately 70-80km southwest of Lahore, in the Kasur district of Punjab.
  • Its latitude is 31°05′N 73°58′E from Earth's equator. 
  • Changa Manga was planted in 1866 by British Foresters.
  • In 2014, a fire destroyed about half of it.
  • It is named after two outlaw brothers Changa and Manga who were hidden in that area. But these are rumors.
  • It is a more attractive place for tourism with its resort, miniature railway, and an artificial lake.
  • It has a large diversity of mammals, birds, and insects.
  • It has plants like Sheesham, White mulberry, and Kikar.

Fact 4(water on Earth):

  • There is about 71% of Earth's surface is covered by water. Water is found in the form of icecaps, glaciers, water vapors, river and lakes.
  • Whereas 96.5% water is salty(in oceans). The ocean is the largest aquatic ecosystem.
  • 78% of marine mammals are at risk due to plastic and pollution.
  •  Only 2.5% is freshwater, and 1.2% is available for drinking purposes.
  • Approximately 0.4% to 4% of water vapors are in the atmosphere. 99% of water vapors are in the troposphere.

Fact 5(number of plants more than stars):

  • There are 3.04 trillion plants and trees on Earth.
  • It is double the number of stars in our galaxy.
  • Approximately 450,000 species of plants are known to scientists, of which 391,000 are vascular, and others are non-vascular.
  • 94% of plants are flowering.
  • Life on Earth depends on plants. Because these are producers and start a food chain. Without plants, life and ecosystems will be destroyed.
  • Approximately 27,000 trees are cut per day.

Fact 6(soil has large biodiversity):

  • Soil is home to a large diversity of organisms.
  • Soil has 59% of all species in the world.
  • It is assumed that one spoon of soil has more microorganisms than people on our planet.
  • Mostly insects and microorganisms live in soil.
  • These organisms are drivers of the ecosystem. As they are involved in ecological cycles, filtering water, suppressing plant pathogens, and breaking down organic matter.
  • It is a non-renewable source.
  • It stores more carbon than in the atmosphere.

Fact 7(recovery of ozon layer):

  • Nowadays ozon layer has been healing.
  • In 2025, scientists confirmed that the Arctic ozone hole is actively healing.
  • The Montreal Protocol phased out chemicals like chloroflorocarbons (CFCs) and halons. It is a successful achievement for them. 

 

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