Ecology
Ecosystem Engineering
Physical modification of the environment by organisms that affects resource availability for other species. Engineers create, modify, or maintain habitat.
Biological Context
Beavers create ponds, elephants maintain grasslands by knocking down trees, earthworms improve soil structure. Ecosystem engineers affect many species through their physical modifications, often having effects disproportionate to their biomass.
Business Application
Platform companies are ecosystem engineers: they create environments where other businesses operate. Understanding ecosystem engineering helps identify strategic positions with outsized influence.