C1 noun ˈkiː.stəʊn ˈspiː.ʃiːz
keystone species
especie clave
Meaning
A species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed the ecosystem would change drastically.
Example
Wolves are a keystone species that regulate prey populations.
Los lobos son una especie clave que regula las poblaciones de presas.