Elizabeth M

Humans may be considered a keystone species due to the fact that our impact on ecosystems is greater than our relative biomass. However, the concept and importance of keystone species is much more complex than this definition; furthermore the impact of humans on the environment is not uniform. First of all, many cultures throughout the world exist "outside" of their natural habitat, meaning that they are disconnected from the natural interdependent relationships between species. These cultures carelessly consume resources at an extraordinarily high rate. Humans that reside in these cultures, including our own, dominate the ecosystem rather than living within it. That is not to say that all cultures are alike. In fact, some cultures have successfully maintained an appropriate role as a keystone species, acting to take what is necessary from the ecosystem, but also to replenish and nourish it at the same rate. Humans are a keystone species, but the question is: are we a beneficial keystone species?