Robert Paine (ecologist)

Robert Paine was an influential ecologist known for discovering the concept of ecological "keystone species." He showed that certain species have a disproportionate impact on their environment; their presence helps maintain the balance of the ecosystem. For example, in his experiments with starfish, he demonstrated that removing a top predator could lead to the overgrowth of some species and the decline of others, ultimately disrupting the entire community. Paine’s work helped us understand the complex interdependencies within ecosystems and highlighted the importance of preserving key species to maintain ecological health.