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I do not think that human beings are keystone species. Keystone species are species whose existence are critical to the survival of other species and the environment. Without the species, there would be a drastic change in the environment. So yes the environment would change but in a positive way because without humans, there'd be no pollution, no deforestation, no of killing animals and destruction of wildlife etc. Other species would thrive in their natural habitat with no obstruction.
If plants which are the primary producers seized to exist, ultimately there'd be no life. However if humans seized to exist, other lower animals can take up their role in biological processes. For example animals also give off Co2 that plants use during photosynthesis.
If plants which are the primary producers seized to exist, ultimately there'd be no life. However if humans seized to exist, other lower animals can take up their role in biological processes. For example animals also give off Co2 that plants use during photosynthesis.
Hi! Thank you for your response.
While I totally agree with everything you said, I would like to open up a discussion about how humans have done so much to alter the environment. To be considered keystone species, one has to have a critical impact to the ecosystem that its disappearance will result to an ultimate change in the way the interactions behave. As you mentioned, if humans seize to exist, other lower animals can take up their role. Please note that our species rests on top of the food chain, so how much impact do you think will it have on lower species? Are we really not worthy to be called keystone species?
While I totally agree with everything you said, I would like to open up a discussion about how humans have done so much to alter the environment. To be considered keystone species, one has to have a critical impact to the ecosystem that its disappearance will result to an ultimate change in the way the interactions behave. As you mentioned, if humans seize to exist, other lower animals can take up their role. Please note that our species rests on top of the food chain, so how much impact do you think will it have on lower species? Are we really not worthy to be called keystone species?
As I said before, without humans, there'd be a major shift in the environment. Not in a way that it would threaten other species but rather strengthen their life span. Even the domestic animals work revert back to their original biology. There's a possibility of extinction for them but there's also a high probable chance of adopting wilder ways.
There'd be no more deforestation and destruction of habitat to accommodate man. Slowly, manmade structures will disintegrate, earth will be repopulated by fauna and flora in many years to come. No more pollution, the oceans and the atmosphere will be cleansed off and pure again.
Man will no longer be on top of the food chain. Although initially there'd be drastic increase and decrease of some species. Naturally, predator and prey relationship would balance this. Man has always altered the environment so without man, nature would run its full course.
There'd be no more deforestation and destruction of habitat to accommodate man. Slowly, manmade structures will disintegrate, earth will be repopulated by fauna and flora in many years to come. No more pollution, the oceans and the atmosphere will be cleansed off and pure again.
Man will no longer be on top of the food chain. Although initially there'd be drastic increase and decrease of some species. Naturally, predator and prey relationship would balance this. Man has always altered the environment so without man, nature would run its full course.
No, humans are not considered to be keystone species. A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance. Humans have a large effect on their environment, but they are not considered to be a keystone species because they are not a part of the natural ecosystem and their presence is not necessary for the ecosystem to function.
Are humans keystone species?
Humans can be considered keystone species in some ecosystems. Keystone species are species whose impact on their ecosystem is disproportionately large relative to their biomass or abundance. They play a critical role in maintaining the balance and stability of their ecosystems.
In the case of humans, our impact on the environment and ecosystems has been significant and far-reaching. We have transformed vast areas of land for agriculture, urbanization, and resource extraction, leading to habitat destruction and fragmentation. We have also introduced invasive species, pollutants, and greenhouse gases into the environment, which have had profound impacts on biodiversity, climate, and other ecosystem processes.
However, not all human activities have a negative impact on ecosystems. In some cases, humans have played a positive role in maintaining the balance and health of ecosystems. For example, traditional land management practices such as controlled burns and selective logging can promote biodiversity and maintain healthy ecosystems.
Overall, it is clear that humans have had a significant impact on ecosystems and can be considered a keystone species in many cases. However, whether this impact is positive or negative depends on the specific activities and practices of humans in a given ecosystem.