A keystone species is a type of animal whose removal from an environment could drastically change an entire ecosystem. 

An Arizona State University professor co-authored a paper examining how changes in wolf populations affect other species.

The researchers found that genetic changes, such as those caused by inbreeding and population rescue events, impact the predation rate of the wolves.

John and Karen Hollingsworth/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Grey wolf.

The study looked at grey wolves inhabiting the Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. Genetic changes in the wolves altered moose populations, which are only prey to grey wolves. 

Subsequently, the changes in moose populations affected how much they foraged which altered the forest. 

The researchers say the findings show how changes in the key wolf population’s genetics can have far-reaching effects across the environment.

The paper was published in the journal Science Advances.