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Biodiversity regulates ecosystem predictability

Author

Listed:
  • Jill McGrady-Steed

    (Evolution & Natural Resources
    Cook College, Rutgers University)

  • Patricia M. Harris

    (Evolution & Natural Resources
    Cook College, Rutgers University)

  • Peter J. Morin

    (Evolution & Natural Resources
    Cook College, Rutgers University)

Abstract

Links between biodiversity and ecosystem function provide compelling reasons for conserving maximal numbers of species in ecosystems1,2,3,4,5,6. Here we describe a previously unrecognized effect of biodiversity on ecosystem predictability, where predictability is inversely related to temporal and spatial variation in ecosystem properties. By manipulating biodiversity in aquatic microbial communities, we show that one process, ecosystem respiration, becomes more predictable as biodiversity increases. Analysis of similar patterns extracted from other studies2,3,6 indicates that biodiversity also enhances predictability in terrestrial ecosystems. Biodiversity can also affect average levels of ecosystem performance, but the extent to which different species make unique or redundant contributions to ecosystem processes remains controversial3,7,8,9,10. Nonlinear effects of biodiversity on the decomposition of particulate organic matter and resistance of communities to invasion indicate that different species have redundant functions in our system. The consequences of biodiversity are also not restricted to early successional situations as described in previous studies1,2,3,4,6, because strong effects persist even after ecosystems develop for periods corresponding to 40–80 generations of dominant organisms.

Suggested Citation

  • Jill McGrady-Steed & Patricia M. Harris & Peter J. Morin, 1997. "Biodiversity regulates ecosystem predictability," Nature, Nature, vol. 390(6656), pages 162-165, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:390:y:1997:i:6656:d:10.1038_36561
    DOI: 10.1038/36561
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Kohn, Robert E., 1999. "Thresholds and complementarities in an economic model of preserving and conserving biodiversity," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 151-172, June.
    2. Chen, Guanyi & Zhao, Liu & Qi, Yun, 2015. "Enhancing the productivity of microalgae cultivated in wastewater toward biofuel production: A critical review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 137(C), pages 282-291.
    3. Wang Tian & Huayong Zhang & Lei Zhao & Feifan Zhang & Hai Huang, 2017. "Phytoplankton Diversity Effects on Community Biomass and Stability along Nutrient Gradients in a Eutrophic Lake," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-15, January.
    4. Molyneaux, Lynette & Brown, Colin & Wagner, Liam & Foster, John, 2016. "Measuring resilience in energy systems: Insights from a range of disciplines," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 1068-1079.
    5. Baumgärtner, Stefan & Quaas, Martin, 2005. "The private and public insurance value of conservative biodiversity management," UFZ Discussion Papers 27/2005, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Division of Social Sciences (ÖKUS).
    6. Nuppenau, Ernst-August, 2002. "Towards a genuine exchange value of nature: interactions between humans and nature in a principal-agent-framework," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 43(1), pages 33-47, November.
    7. Muradian, Roldan, 2001. "Ecological thresholds: a survey," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 38(1), pages 7-24, July.

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