The Serengeti Rules

"The Serengeti Rules" refers to the ecological principles discovered by scientist Bob Paine and others, showing how populations of plants and animals are regulated by specific key species—called keystone species. These species have a disproportionate impact on the health and balance of ecosystems. For example, predators keep prey populations in check, preventing overgrazing and allowing diverse plant life to thrive. The idea emphasizes that each species plays an important role in maintaining ecological stability, illustrating how natural systems self-regulate through interconnected relationships, ensuring the resilience and sustainability of ecosystems like the Serengeti plains.