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Pathways for cross-boundary effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning
Michael Scherer-Lorenzen1, Mark O Gessner2, Beatrix E Beisner3
1Geobotany, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|January 23, 2022
Summary
Biodiversity influences ecosystem functioning, but studies often ignore links between ecosystems. This research introduces cross-boundary effects, highlighting their importance for conservation and management.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- The biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF) concept links species richness to ecosystem processes.
- Previous BEF studies primarily focused on single ecosystems, neglecting inter-ecosystem connections.
- Functional links, including matter, energy, and organism exchange, are crucial between coupled ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a conceptual framework for understanding cross-boundary biodiversity effects on ecosystem functioning.
- To outline key pathways through which biodiversity in one ecosystem impacts another.
- To propose an agenda for assessing these cross-boundary effects, using terrestrial-aquatic systems as a model.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual framework development.
- Identification of three pathways for cross-boundary biodiversity effects.
- Focus on terrestrial-aquatic linkages for illustration.
Main Results:
- Established a conceptual basis for cross-boundary BEF.
- Identified specific mechanisms of biodiversity influence across ecosystem boundaries.
- Highlighted the significance of inter-ecosystem functional links.
Conclusions:
- Cross-boundary biodiversity effects are critical for a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem functioning.
- This perspective is essential for effective biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, restoration, and management.
- Future research should prioritize inter-ecosystem dynamics to advance ecological science.
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