Keystone Modification
Some species become keystones by modifying disturbance frequency, intensity, or extent - thereby controlling which other species can persist.
Some species become keystones by modifying disturbance frequency, intensity, or extent - thereby controlling which other species can persist. Fire-adapted pines have thick bark that tolerates frequent low-intensity fires. The fires kill competing hardwood seedlings, preventing the forest from transitioning to hardwood dominance. Large herbivores (elephants, bison, wildebeest) prevent woody plant encroachment and maintain grasslands through grazing, trampling, and browsing.
Business Application of Keystone Modification
Organizations can play keystone modifier roles by shaping the competitive environment through standards-setting, platform rules, or market dynamics that favor certain types of participants and exclude others.