What ecological role describes the wildebeest's disproportionately large influence on savanna structure?
Answer
Keystone species
The wildebeest functions as a keystone species within the savanna ecosystem, meaning its existence and activities exert an influence on the environment that is disproportionately large relative to its biomass. Their continuous grazing prevents woody encroachment, helps maintain the health of the grasslands, and stimulates new vegetation growth. Furthermore, the massive return of nutrients via their carcasses after migrations, predation, or drowning events acts as a slow-release fertilizer, cycling phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon back into the soil, which fundamentally underpins the system.
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