Natural 'keystone molecules' punch over their weight in ecosystems
Thursday, May 16, 2013 - 10:01
in Biology & Nature
Ecosystems are disproportionately influenced by "keystone molecules" that have powerful behavioral effects and contribute to ecosystem structure, according to a new general theory. The chemicals can each fill a variety of functions and affect multiple species. The actions of four keystone molecules are described, three of them toxins.