Ecology
Ecosystem Engineer
An organism that physically modifies its environment, creating or maintaining habitats for other species. Engineers affect ecosystems through physical changes rather than trophic interactions.
Biological Context
Beavers build dams creating ponds and wetlands. Elephants knock down trees, creating grassland patches. Coral build reef structures housing thousands of species. Earthworms modify soil structure. Ecosystem engineers have effects that persist beyond their presence and affect many other species.
Business Application
Platform companies like Apple, Amazon, and Google are ecosystem engineers, building infrastructure that determines what other businesses can exist.