Keystone Species
A species that has a big effect on its environment, even if it is not very common.
What is it?
A keystone species is an animal or plant that helps hold an ecosystem together. The Cuvier's dwarf caiman plays an important role in its ecosystem by helping keep the balance of life in its waters. If it disappeared, many other species would be affected. The Cuvier's dwarf caiman is a keystone species because it helps maintain the ecological balance of its freshwater habitat. The Mandarin rat snake is also a keystone species because it helps control rodent populations, which affects the whole ecosystem. The American alligator is also a keystone species: it digs "gator holes" that provide water for other animals during dry periods, and it helps control prey populations.
Why it matters
Protecting keystone species is very important because they keep ecosystems healthy. When a keystone species is lost, the whole ecosystem can change or collapse.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more exhibits about keystone species.
Related
关键种
一种对环境有很大影响的物种，即使它并不常见。
这是什么？
关键种是一种帮助维持生态系统稳定的动物或植物。矮凯门鳄在其生态系统中扮演重要角色，帮助维持水域的生命平衡。如果它消失，许多其他物种会受到影响。矮凯门鳄是关键种，因为它帮助维持其淡水栖息地的生态平衡。王锦蛇也是关键种，因为它帮助控制啮齿动物数量，影响整个生态系统。美洲短吻鳄也是关键种：它挖掘“鳄鱼洞”，在干旱时期为其他动物提供水源，并帮助控制猎物数量。
为什么重要
保护关键种非常重要，因为它们保持生态系统健康。当一个关键种消失时，整个生态系统可能改变或崩溃。
你在哪里见过它
当你捕捉更多关于关键种的展品时，这个列表会增长。
