Tyler C

It is obvious that humans are a keystone species, but being the greatest keystone species seems to be up to debate. In my personal opinion, we are the greatest keystone species because we have more conscious control over every ecosystem than any other species. If it is our desire, we could completely eliminate any and all rainforests in the world with teams of logging crews, not to mention weapons of mass destruction. Also, if it were our desire, we can choose to save and protect many species from going extinct throughout the world, through the use of such programs as zoos. Several different populations of different animals have been saved from extinction from activities such as overhunting by growing populations of the animal in captive environments and releasing them into their natural habitat. I believe the best reason that humans are the most influential keystone species is that we are so aware of our surroundings and the impact we have on them. We are trying to reduce global climate change by reducing harmful emissions from our factories and transportation systems. Without consciously changing our ways, we would continue to damage the global ecosystem, potentially making it unlivable for much of the life on Earth.