Ecosystem collapse refers to a drastic and often irreversible change in the structure and function of an ecosystem, leading to the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services. This phenomenon is typically caused by a combination of factors, including habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation of resources, and climate change. The role of keystone species and ecosystem engineers is crucial, as their decline can precipitate widespread changes, resulting in the breakdown of complex ecological interactions and the loss of stability within ecosystems.
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