What species do you think are the most vital to our biosphere?

Insects are, but I think that’s a class, not a species.

Amendment to my question:

What taxonomic groups (phylums, classes, families, species) are the most vital.

Algae producing Oxygen in the oceans.

Oxygen producer

I go with my first answer, insects.

2nd Amendment to my question: what organisms should have the right to bear arms? JK

Actually, this can be a discussion about what taxonomic categories of life forms are vital to our biosphere.

According to Merlin Sheldrake, it’s fungi. He makes a damned good case for them, too. I found his book fascinating and compelling:

Entangled Life

Follow the link and just look at the overview. How can you possibly resist?

Second time today @Jeruba. I was going to say fungi too after watching the documentary “Fantastic Fungi” a year or two ago.

3rd Amendment: Kingdoms are hereby included in the list of taxonomic groups to be considered.

What organisms should have the right to bear arms?

I’d go with every species that is threatened with extinction. One reason they are going extinct is because they have few ways to defend themselves from predators. They need some aid with survival :P

Yep, another vote for fungi.

Without bacteria most animals and plants would be doomed to extinction.

@Blackberry

I’ve heard that you’re a fungi to be with. ;)
Is it true that you’re AKA LL Blackberry?

Lawyers