Keystone species

Galapagos Wildlife: Galapagos Tortoises © Caroline Pannell

Galapagos giant tortoises are a keystone species © Caroline Pannell

A species that when its population size changes, has a large impact on the whole of its ecosystem. A keystone species plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and stability of its ecosystem, despite not being the most abundant species in that ecosystem. The Galapagos giant tortoise is an example of a keystone species.

 

Glossary of Galapagos