Keystone species

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-006331",
  "term": "Keystone species",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "An organism that significantly influences the structure and function of an ecosystem, often to a degree disproportionate to its biomass or abundance. Its removal can lead to cascading effects, altering the populations of numerous other species and potentially causing ecosystem collapse. The sea otter, for example, controls sea urchin populations, preventing them from overgrazing kelp forests.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "community"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2009, 81, 829. 'Glossary of terms used in ecotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2009)' on page 903 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-08-07-09)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/keystone-species/"
}