Provide examples of how disruption to keystone species popul

Provide examples of how disruption to keystone species populations can trigger disproportionately large-scale changes to the structure of an ecosystem. Also, describe how keystone species, producers, and limiting abiotic and biotic factors contribute to maintaining the diversity of an ecosystem.

Solution

Keystone species are those that would produce disproportionately larger effect on its environment as play a critical role in the community of ecosystem. They play a key role in determining the number of different species present in the region they live. If the key stone species are removed, a significant shift in the ecosystem is observed because they influence many other species.

For example, jaguar is an example of key stone species, which typically feed on herbivores. Though the number of animals present in the ecosystem are low, their effect is important because increased number of herbivores causes extinction of several plant species and the other associated animals such as birds and insects. This would result in disturbance of biodiversity. While the appropriate number of different species helps to maintain diversity in the ecosystem.