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The extinction of keystone species can have profound impacts from "summary" of The Sixth Extinction (10th Anniversary Edition) by Elizabeth Kolbert
The disappearance of key species can set off a chain reaction within an ecosystem. This is because some species play a unique and crucial role in maintaining the balance of their environment. These key species are known as "keystone species." Their presence or absence can have far-reaching consequences for other organisms in the ecosystem. When a keystone species goes extinct, it can lead to a domino effect that disrupts the entire ecosystem. Without the keystone species to regulate certain populations or control certain behaviors, other species may overpopulate or behave in ways that are detrimental to the ecosystem as a whole. This can ultimately result in a collapse of the entire ecosystem. For example, the extinction of the American chestnut tree due to a fungal blight had significant repercussions on the forests of eastern North America. The American chestnut tree was a keystone species that provided food and habitat for numerous other species. When it disappeared, many of these species suffered as well, leading to a cascading effect on the entire forest ecosystem. Similarly, the extinction of the passenger pigeon in the 20th century had profound impacts on the ecosystems of eastern North America. The passenger pigeon played a vital role in dispersing seeds and shaping the structure of forests. Its disappearance led to changes in forest composition and structure, affecting many other species that depended on the passenger pigeon for survival. The loss of keystone species highlights the interconnectedness of species within an ecosystem. Each species, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, plays a role in maintaining the delicate balance of nature. When a keystone species is lost, it can have ripple effects that reverberate throughout the entire ecosystem, ultimately leading to its destabilization and collapse. To prevent such catastrophic outcomes, it is essential to recognize the importance of keystone species and take steps to protect and conserve them. By preserving these key species, we can help ensure the health and stability of ecosystems for future generations.
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