What is a Keystone Species?
Some Species Seem Insignificant but They're Actually Keystones in an Ecosystem.
Keystone species provide vital habitat, food, or other necessity to a variety of other species in an ecosystem.
A keystone species is a species that, though it may appear insignificant, or be quite rare, actually supports the survival of other species in a very significant way. If a keystone species becomes extinct in an ecosystem, other species suffer greatly or become extinct in that area as well.
For example, the Red-naped Sapsucker has been called a keystone species because of two important behaviors. The first is that it excavates a new nest cavity each year, while cavities from previous years become available to other species of birds. At least seven other bird species rely on the Red-naped Sapsucker for nesting cavities. The second behavior is the drilling of sap wells in aspen and willow trees. The sap is a food source for other bird species including hummingbirds, as well as for butterflies and squirrels. If the Red-naped Sapsucker were to disappear, almost fifty other species would be severely affected.
Source: Daily, Gretchen C., Paul R. Ehrlich, and Nick M. Haddad. “Double Keystone Bird in a Keystone Species Complex.” Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.:90 (January 1993); p592-4.
Content about other keystone species:
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