A keystone in an arch's crown secures the other stones in place. Keystone species play the same role in many ecological communities by maintaining the structure and integrity of the community. The ...

Ecology and Society, Vol. 9, No. 3 (Dec 2004) (18 pages) ABSTRACT. Ecologists have long recognized that some species, by virtue of the key roles they play in the overall structure and functioning of ...

University of Delaware entomologist Doug Tallamy’s research has identified “keystone” plant species that make up the foundation of many U.S. ecosystems by producing food for native insects, thus ...

New research is causing the original keystone species, the ochre sea star Pisaster ochraceus, to lose some of its supposed ecosystem-controlling powers. Photo by Jeff Rotman/Alamy Stock Photo This ...

Keystone species are hard at work shaping the ecosystems we all depend on. Join us for Homeschool Day on February 6th at the Idaho State Museum as we explore the vital role of animals like beavers, ...