Robert Paine (biologist)

Robert Paine was an American ecologist renowned for his research on food webs and ecosystems. He is best known for discovering the concept of keystone species through experiments in the rocky intertidal zone. By removing a predator called the sea star, Paine showed how its absence led to a dramatic increase in prey species that crowded out other organisms, disrupting the ecosystem balance. This work demonstrated that some species have a disproportionately large impact on their environment, influencing the diversity and stability of ecosystems. Paine's findings significantly advanced understanding of ecological interactions and conservation efforts.