University:
Acadia University
Course:
BIOL 2663 | Marine Biology
Academic year:

2024
Views:

329

Pages:

4
Author:

Nabila N.

Keystone Species: Pillars of Ecological Integrity Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and health of ecosystems. This presentation explores their significance and the challenges they face What is a Keystone Species? Definition A keystone species is an organism that has a disproportionately large impact on its environment relative to its abundance, Their removal can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem. Examples Examples include sea otters, wolves, beavers, and some types of plants. They maintain ecosystem structure, diversity, and stability. The Importance of Keystone Species Biodiversity They help maintain biodiversity. by regulating populations of other species, preventing any one species from dominating the ecosystem Ecosystem Services They contribute to vital ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and carbon sequestration. Resilience They enhance the resilience of ecosystems to disturbances such as climate change, invasive species, and disease Ecosystem Engineering: How Keystone Species Shape Their Environments Beavers Beavers build dams that create wetlands, which provide habitat for a wide range of species Elephants Elephants create clearings in forests by knocking down trees, which allows sunlight to reach the forest floor and promote plant growth. Sea Stars See stars prey on mussels, which prevents mussels from outcompeting other species in intertidal zones. Apex Predators as Keystone Species Apex predators, like wolves and lions, control populations of herbivores, preventing overgrazing. They also influence the behavior of prey species, leading to healthier prey populations and a more diverse ecosystem Their absence can lead to cascading effects that disrupt the entire food web Keystone Species Case Study: Sea Otters in the Pacific Northwest Sea otters feed on sea urchins, which graze on kelp forests. Without otters, urchin populations boom, leading to the destruction of kelp forests. Kelp forests provide habitat for hundreds of marine species, and their loss has devastating consequences. Threats to Keystone Species and Ecosystem Consequences Habitat Loss Pollution Pollution from various sources can harm keystone species and disrupt their ecological roles. Climate Change Climate change can alter ecosystems and make them less suitable for keystone species. Overexploitation Human activities such as fishing, hunting, and trapping can deplete keystone species populations. Ecosystem Collapse Conservation and Restoration of Keystone Species Habitat Protection Protecting and restoring keystone species habitats is essential for their survival. Population Management Managing populations of keystone species through measures like captive breeding and reintroduction can help recover declining numbers Public Education Raising awareness about the importance of keystone species and promoting responsible practices can help protect them. Collaboration. Collaborative efforts between scientists, governments, and conservation organizations are crucial for effective keystone species conservation