What is the relation between Biodiversity and ecosystems
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The Relationship Between Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Introduction to Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning (BEF)
Biodiversity, the variety of life in all its forms and levels, plays a crucial role in the functioning of ecosystems. The subfield of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning (BEF) emerged around 25 years ago to explore whether biodiversity loss impacts ecosystem processes. This field initially focused on theoretical studies and controlled experiments, but recent research has shifted towards understanding BEF relationships in naturally assembled communities1 4.
Biodiversity's Impact on Ecosystem Functions
Biomass Production and Stability
Research indicates that biodiversity often promotes biomass production and its temporal stability. High biodiversity levels are associated with increased biomass production, which is essential for ecosystem productivity and resilience1 5. This positive relationship is particularly evident in naturally assembled communities, where diverse species interactions contribute to stable and productive ecosystems1.
Decomposition Rates and Carbon Sequestration
The effects of biodiversity on decomposition rates and carbon sequestration are more variable. While positive effects of biodiversity on decomposition rates are common, neutral relationships are also frequently observed. Interestingly, there is no consistent evidence linking biodiversity to soil carbon storage, suggesting that other factors may play more significant roles in this process1.
Pollination and Trophic Interactions
Biodiversity enhances pollination success, which is vital for the reproduction of many plant species and the production of fruits and seeds. Additionally, diverse ecosystems tend to have more complex trophic interactions, which can regulate populations of herbivores and pathogens, thereby maintaining ecosystem health1 9.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Regulation of Ecosystem Processes
Biodiversity acts as a regulator of various ecosystem processes, including nutrient cycling, water flow regulation, and atmospheric regulation. These processes are fundamental for maintaining ecosystem health and providing services that benefit human well-being2 7. For instance, increased species richness and functional diversity are linked to improved water quality and pest regulation7.
Provision of Ecosystem Services
Biodiversity contributes to the provision of numerous ecosystem services, such as biomass production, habitat provisioning, and cultural services. Forest ecosystems, for example, rely on biodiversity for services like carbon sequestration, pollination, and resistance to environmental disturbances9. The positive effects of biodiversity on these services highlight the importance of conserving diverse ecosystems for sustainable management6 9.
Factors Influencing BEF Relationships
Abiotic Conditions and Functional Composition
While biodiversity is a significant driver of ecosystem functioning, abiotic factors (e.g., climate, soil properties) and functional composition (e.g., presence of specific functional groups) often have stronger influences. Studies show that the presence of certain functional traits can be more predictive of ecosystem functioning than species richness alone1 10. This underscores the need to consider both biotic and abiotic factors in ecosystem management.
Global Environmental Change
Biodiversity's role in ecosystem functioning is also influenced by global environmental changes, such as warming, drought, and nutrient addition. High-diversity communities tend to be more resistant to these stressors, maintaining ecosystem functions better than low-diversity communities. This resilience is primarily driven by interspecific complementarity, where different species perform complementary roles within the ecosystem6.
Conclusion
In summary, biodiversity plays a critical role in driving various ecosystem functions, including biomass production, decomposition, pollination, and the provision of ecosystem services. However, the strength and direction of these effects can vary, and other factors like abiotic conditions and functional composition often play significant roles. To promote ecosystem functions that underpin human well-being, conservation efforts should focus not only on preserving biodiversity but also on maintaining favorable abiotic conditions and functional traits within ecosystems.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in naturally assembled communities
High biodiversity in naturally assembled communities positively drives various ecosystem functions, but factors other than biodiversity can be even more important in driving ecosystem functioning.
Systematic ReviewBiodiversity and ecosystem services: a multilayered relationship.
Biodiversity plays key roles at all levels of the ecosystem service hierarchy, requiring interdisciplinary science for effective ecosystem management.
Highly CitedQuantifying the evidence for biodiversity effects on ecosystem functioning and services.
Biodiversity has positive effects on most ecosystem services, but weaker effects at the ecosystem level and negative effects at the population level.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedBiodiversity and ecosystem functioning in naturally assembled communities
Real-world biodiversity loss significantly impacts ecosystem functions, including biomass production, decomposition rates, carbon sequestration, trophic interactions, and pollination.
Highly CitedBiodiversity and ecosystem functioning
Biodiversity positively impacts ecosystem productivity, stability, and nutrient retention, but the exact number of species needed for successful ecosystem functioning remains unanswered.
Highly CitedBiodiversity promotes ecosystem functioning despite environmental change
Biodiversity promotes ecosystem functioning, with higher diversity communities being more resistant to environmental change, supporting its conservation as a key strategy for sustainable ecosystem management.
Meta-AnalysisLinkages between biodiversity attributes and ecosystem services: A systematic review
Increases in biodiversity attributes positively impact most ecosystem services, with species abundance and richness being key for pest regulation, pollination, and recreation.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedBiodiversity and Ecosystem Function
Biodiversity-ecosystem function relationship (BEF) is crucial for understanding and addressing the vulnerability of human society to short-term economic gains and habitat loss.
Highly CitedForest biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and the provision of ecosystem services
Forest biodiversity contributes to ecosystem functioning and the provision of various ecosystem services, but more empirical studies are needed to establish causal relationships and optimize mixed-species forests for human well-being.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedEFFECTS OF BIODIVERSITY ON ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONING: A CONSENSUS OF CURRENT KNOWLEDGE
Human activities significantly alter biodiversity, affecting ecosystem properties and the goods and services they provide, necessitating responsible management and integrating ecological knowledge with social and economic constraints.
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