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Consistent patterns and the idiosyncratic effects of biodiversity in marine ecosystems

Author

Listed:
  • Mark C. Emmerson

    (Culterty Field Station, University of Aberdeen)

  • Martin Solan

    (Culterty Field Station, University of Aberdeen)

  • Chas Emes

    (Culterty Field Station, University of Aberdeen)

  • David M. Paterson

    (Gatty Marine Laboratory, University of St Andrews)

  • Dave Raffaelli

    (Culterty Field Station, University of Aberdeen
    University of York)

Abstract

Revealing the consequences of species extinctions for ecosystem function has been a chief research goal1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and has been accompanied by enthusiastic debate8,9,10,11. Studies carried out predominantly in terrestrial grassland and soil ecosystems have demonstrated that as the number of species in assembled communities increases, so too do certain ecosystem processes, such as productivity, whereas others such as decomposition can remain unaffected12. Diversity can influence aspects of ecosystem function, but questions remain as to how generic the patterns observed are, and whether they are the product of diversity, as such, or of the functional roles and traits that characterize species in ecological systems. Here we demonstrate variable diversity effects for species representative of marine coastal systems at both global and regional scales. We provide evidence for an increase in complementary resource use as diversity increases and show strong evidence for diversity effects in naturally assembled communities at a regional scale. The variability among individual species responses is consistent with a positive but idiosyncratic pattern of ecosystem function with increased diversity.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark C. Emmerson & Martin Solan & Chas Emes & David M. Paterson & Dave Raffaelli, 2001. "Consistent patterns and the idiosyncratic effects of biodiversity in marine ecosystems," Nature, Nature, vol. 411(6833), pages 73-77, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:411:y:2001:i:6833:d:10.1038_35075055
    DOI: 10.1038/35075055
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    Cited by:

    1. David S Clare & Matthew Spencer & Leonie A Robinson & Christopher L J Frid, 2016. "Species-Specific Effects on Ecosystem Functioning Can Be Altered by Interspecific Interactions," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(11), pages 1-17, November.
    2. Silke Langenheder & Mark T Bulling & Martin Solan & James I Prosser, 2010. "Bacterial Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functioning Relations Are Modified by Environmental Complexity," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 5(5), pages 1-9, May.

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