A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance. Such species are described as playing a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community, affecting many other organisms in an ecosystem and helping to determine the types and numbers of various other species in the community.
A keystone species found in the taiga is the Scots Pine. Squirrels, mice, and voles depend on its pines for food. Many mosses depend on the tree for a place to grow. Even after the tree has died, 15 times more beetles will live on it than when it was alive
A keystone species found in the taiga is the Scots Pine. Squirrels, mice, and voles depend on its pines for food. Many mosses depend on the tree for a place to grow. Even after the tree has died, 15 times more beetles will live on it than when it was alive