Tyler A.

I agree wholeheartedly that Humans are the greatest keystone species. Our impact on the global ecosystem is as far reaching as it is varied. Our rampant use of pesticides, herbicides, anti-virals, and antibiotics has profoundly effected insect, plant, and microbial biomass around the world; leading to stronger, more robust insects and microbes. By building, harvesting, and traveling we have altered ecosystems all around the planet; flooding areas with dams, clear-cutting forests and plowing under prairie land, and transporting exotic species. While all species impact the world ecosystem in varying degrees, humans claim an impact far exceeding our relative bio mass. No other species alters their habitat on the same scale as humans. If we were removed from this world as Dr. Paine removed the starfish, the ecosystem would be vastly different; all of the species we suppress with poisons would return to significant numbers. Flora and fauna would quickly reclaim our former habitats. Simply put, our impact on the globe is undeniable; compare the image of a world without humans to a world without deer, without the dogwood tree, without geese. The fact is clear; humans are the greatest keystone species.