word
keystone species
KEE-stohn SPEE-sheez
ˈkiːstoʊn ˈspiːʃiːzListen
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Syllable breakdown
keystonespecies
Dictionary meaning
A species whose influence on an ecosystem is disproportionately large relative to its abundance.
History and origin
Ecology metaphor from architecture.
Examples
- Sea otters are a keystone species because they keep kelp grazers in check.
Common mispronunciations
SPEE-seez
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