keystone
KEE-stohn
Definition
A plant or animal species that plays such a critical role in an ecosystem that its presence or absence fundamentally dictates the survival and diversity of other species within that same environment.
Etymology
Derived from the architectural term for the central, wedge-shaped stone at the top of an arch that locks all other stones into place; metaphorically extended in biology to describe a central species that holds an ecosystem together.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe specific trees and shrubs that provide essential ecological support for a wide array of other wildlife, arguing that prioritizing these 'powerhouse' plants is the most efficient way to restore biodiversity.
Column | See which native plants will thrive in your garden
Read the full article ↗The Washington Post