What is the ecological role of large herbivores in shaping landscapes? 🔊
Large herbivores play a critical ecological role in shaping landscapes through their grazing behaviors, which influence plant communities and habitat structures. By controlling the growth of dominant vegetation, herbivores promote biodiversity in ecosystems, allowing various plant species to thrive. Their movements contribute to nutrient cycling, as their waste enriches the soil. Moreover, large herbivores create pathways and clearings that facilitate movement for other wildlife. Conservation of these species is vital for maintaining ecosystem health and function, as their absence can lead to monocultures and loss of overall biodiversity in their habitats.
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