Putting soil invertebrate diversity on the map.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Soil Science
• Genomics

Background:

• Decades of ecological research have established knowledge of global plant and aboveground animal distribution.
• However, the global distribution, drivers, and threats to soil biodiversity remain poorly understood despite its immense diversity.

Discussion:

• This study presents the first global maps of soil invertebrate diversity, utilizing standardized DNA sequencing across 83 sites on six continents.
• Analysis of nematodes, arachnids, and rotifers indicates that vegetation and climate are the primary factors influencing their diversity.

Key Insights:

• Vegetation type and climatic conditions are the dominant forces shaping soil invertebrate diversity globally.
• The research highlights the critical role of these factors in structuring soil ecosystems.

Outlook:

• This work offers essential baseline data for future monitoring of soil biodiversity and ecosystem function.
• It also generates testable hypotheses for experimental research on soil ecosystems under anthropogenic change.