Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1073/pnas.1505587112
Title (Primary) The extent of functional redundancy changes as species’ roles shift in different environments
Author Fetzer, I.; Johst, K.; Schäwe, R.; Banitz, T. ORCID logo ; Harms, H.; Chatzinotas, A.
Source Titel Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Year 2015
Department OESA; UMB; iDiv
Volume 112
Issue 48
Page From 14888
Page To 14893
Language englisch
Supplements https://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/112/48/14888/F5.large.jpg?download=true
https://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/112/48/14888/F6.large.jpg?download=true
UFZ wide themes RU3
Abstract Assessing the ecological impacts of environmental change requires knowledge of the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The exact nature of this relationship can differ considerably between ecosystems, with consequences for the efficacy of species diversity as a buffer against environmental change. Using a microbial model system, we show that the relationship can vary depending on environmental conditions. Shapes suggesting functional redundancy in one environment can change, suggesting functional differences in another environment. We find that this change is due to shifting species roles and interactions. Species that are functionally redundant in one environment may become pivotal in another. Thus, caution is advised in drawing conclusions about functional redundancy based on a single environmental situation. It also implies that species richness is important because it provides a pool of species with potentially relevant traits. These species may turn out to be essential performers or partners in new interspecific interactions after environmental change. Therefore, our results challenge the generality of functional redundancy.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=16809
Fetzer, I., Johst, K., Schäwe, R., Banitz, T., Harms, H., Chatzinotas, A. (2015):
The extent of functional redundancy changes as species’ roles shift in different environments
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 112 (48), 14888 - 14893 10.1073/pnas.1505587112