Beyond species: functional diversity and the maintenance of ecological processes and services

Journal of Applied Ecology, Journal Year: 2011, Volume and Issue: 48(5), P. 1079 - 1087

Published: Aug. 19, 2011

Summary 1. The goal of conservation and restoration activities is to maintain biological diversity the ecosystem services that this provides. These traditionally focus on measures species include only information presence abundance species. Yet how influences function depends traits niches filled by 2. Biological can be quantified in ways account for functional phenotypic differences. A number such (FD) have been created, quantifying distribution a community or relative magnitude similarities We review FD why they are intuitively useful understanding ecological patterns important management. 3. In order meaningful worth measuring, it must correlated with function, should provide above beyond what richness explain. these two propositions, examining whether strength correlation between varies across differing environmental gradients offers greater explanatory power than richness. 4. Previous research shows relationship complex context dependent. Different show individual responses different gradients, meaning changes occur minimal change Further, explain variation even when does not. 5. Synthesis applications . those aspects potentially affect assembly function. Given power, incorporated into decision‐making, especially efforts attempting reconstruct preserve healthy, functioning ecosystems.

Language: Английский

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Functional diversity (FD), species richness and community composition

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2002, Volume and Issue: 5(3), P. 402 - 411

Published: May 1, 2002

Abstract Functional diversity is an important component of biodiversity, yet in comparison to taxonomic diversity, methods quantifying functional are less well developed. Here, we propose a means for that may be particularly useful determining how related ecosystem functioning. This measure “FD” defined as the total branch length dendrogram. Various characteristics FD make it preferable other measures such number groups community. Simulating species' trait values illustrates relative importance richness and composition depends on effective dimensionality space which species separate. Fewer dimensions increase community redundancy. More decreases Clumping increases composition. Five natural communities show remarkably similar relationships between richness.

Language: Английский

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Response diversity, ecosystem change, and resilience

Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, Journal Year: 2003, Volume and Issue: 1(9), P. 488 - 494

Published: Nov. 1, 2003

Biological diversity appears to enhance the resilience of desirable ecosystem states, which is required secure production essential services. The responses environmental change among species contributing same function, we call response diversity, critical resilience. Response particularly important for renewal and reorganization following change. Here present examples from both terrestrial aquatic ecosystems across temporal spatial scales. provides adaptive capacity in a world complex systems, uncertainty, human-dominated environments. We should pay special attention when planning management restoration, since it may contribute considerably desired states against disturbance, mismanagement, degradation.

Language: Английский

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Effects of Exotic Plant Invasions on Soil Nutrient Cycling Processes

Ecosystems, Journal Year: 2003, Volume and Issue: 6(6), P. 503 - 523

Published: Oct. 1, 2003

Language: Английский

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Biodiversity and Litter Decomposition in Terrestrial Ecosystems

Annual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics, Journal Year: 2005, Volume and Issue: 36(1), P. 191 - 218

Published: Aug. 12, 2005

▪ Abstract We explore empirical and theoretical evidence for the functional significance of plant-litter diversity extraordinary high decomposer organisms in process litter decomposition consequences biogeochemical cycles. Potential mechanisms frequently observed litter-diversity effects on mass loss nitrogen dynamics include fungi-driven nutrient transfer among species, inhibition or stimulation microorganisms by specific compounds, positive feedback soil fauna due to greater habitat food diversity. Theory predicts microbial that result from niche complementarity, but few existing experiments provide conflicting results. Microbial succession with shifting enzymatic capabilities enhances decomposition, whereas antagonistic interactions fungi compete similar resources slow decay. Soil-fauna manipulations indicate number trophic levels, species identity, presence keystone have a strong impact importance within groups is not clear at present. In conclusion, can significantly influence carbon turnover rates; however, no general predictable pattern has emerged. Proposed need confirmation link traits comprehensive understanding how biodiversity interacts processes ongoing ecosystem functioning.

Language: Английский

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