What type of species can indicate the overall health of an ecosystem?

Indicator species are particularly important in assessing the health of an ecosystem because they reflect the quality of the habitat in which they live. These species are typically sensitive to environmental changes and can provide insight into the ecological balance and conditions of a specific area.

For example, certain types of amphibians or aquatic macroinvertebrates can signify water quality; their presence or absence often correlates with pollution levels or habitat integrity. Monitoring indicator species allows researchers and conservationists to gauge the effects of environmental stressors, such as pollution or habitat destruction, on overall ecosystem health. This makes them vital for conservation strategies and for understanding the impacts of human activities on ecosystems.

While predatory species play a role in regulating populations within ecosystems, and keystone species have a disproportionate impact on their environment relative to their abundance, they do not specifically indicate overall health in the way that indicator species do. Invasive species, on the other hand, disrupt local ecosystems and can often indicate problems rather than health, as they typically outcompete native species and lead to biodiversity loss.