Ecology: Concepts and Applications 4th Edition by Manual Molles

Exercise 2

What is a keystone species? Paine (1966, 1969) experimented with two sea stars that act as keystone species in their intertidal communities along the west coast of North America and in New Zealand. Describe how the intertidal communities in these two areas are similar. Describe the differences between these two communities and the differences in the design of Paine's experiments in these two areas.