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A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionate influence on the functioning of an ecosystem relative to its numerical abundance and in comparison with other species such that its loss or (re)introduction in an ecosystem can affect the ecosystem’s overall functioning. Species such as the wolf, elephant or beaver are often considered to be keystone species but keystone species are not necessarily mammals. For example, woodpeckers or particular starfish species are sometimes included in this category.

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