C1 noun ˈkiː.stəʊn ˈspiː.ʃiːz
keystone species
espèce clé
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.
Les loups sont une espèce clé qui régule les populations de proies.