Habitat forming species; Виды-эдификаторы, средообразователи; Elupaika moodustavad liigid; Elinympäristöjä muovaavat lajit

(umbrella forming species, habitat creating species, habitat engeneering species, ediphicators, ecosystem engineers) any organism that creates or modifies habitats. Jones et al. identified two different types of ecosystem engineers:Allogenic engineers modify the environmentby mechanically changing materials from one form to another. Beavers are archetypal ecosystem engineers; in the process of clearcutting and damming, beavers alter their ecosystem extensively. Different types and numbers of other organisms will thrive in the region of a beaver dam than would in a non-dammed region. Caterpillars that create shelters from leaves are also creating shelters for other organisms which may occupy them either simultaneously or subsequently.Autogenic engineers modify the environment by modifying themselves. As trees grow, their trunks and branches create habitats for other living things. In the tropics, lianas connect trees, which allow many animals to travel exclusively through the forest canopy.Humans are very significant allogenic engineers, Reference: Jones CG, Lawton JH and Shachak M 1994. Organisms as ecosystem engineers. Oikos 69: 373-386