Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1111/jvs.12435
Document Shareable Link
Title (Primary) Biodiversity–ecosystem function experiments reveal the mechanisms underlying the consequences of biodiversity change in real world ecosystems
Author Eisenhauer, N.; Barnes, A.D.; Cesarz, S.; Craven, D.; Ferlian, O.; Gottschall, F.; Hines, J.; Sendek, A.; Siebert, J.; Thakur, M.P.; Türke, M.
Source Titel Journal of Vegetation Science
Year 2016
Department BZF; iDiv
Volume 27
Issue 5
Page From 1061
Page To 1070
Language englisch
Keywords Biodiversity change; Biodiversity–ecosystem functioning; Complementarity; Diversity–productivity; Ecosystem multifunctionality; Non-random biodiversity loss
UFZ wide themes RU1;
Abstract In a recent Forum paper, Wardle (Journal of Vegetation Science, 2016) questions the value of biodiversity–ecosystem function (BEF) experiments with respect to their implications for biodiversity changes in real world communities. The main criticism is that the previous focus of BEF experiments on random species assemblages within each level of diversity has ‘limited the understanding of how natural communities respond to biodiversity loss.’ He concludes that a broader spectrum of approaches considering both non-random gains and losses of diversity is essential to advance this field of research. Wardle's paper is timely because of recent observations of frequent local and regional biodiversity changes across ecosystems. While we appreciate that new and complementary experimental approaches are required for advancing the field, we question criticisms regarding the validity of BEF experiments. Therefore, we respond by briefly reiterating previous arguments emphasizing the reasoning behind random species composition in BEF experiments. We describe how BEF experiments have identified important mechanisms that play a role in real world ecosystems, advancing our understanding of ecosystem responses to species gains and losses. We discuss recent examples where theory derived from BEF experiments enriched our understanding of the consequences of biodiversity changes in real world ecosystems and where comprehensive analyses and integrative modelling approaches confirmed patterns found in BEF experiments. Finally, we provide some promising directions in BEF research.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=18219
Eisenhauer, N., Barnes, A.D., Cesarz, S., Craven, D., Ferlian, O., Gottschall, F., Hines, J., Sendek, A., Siebert, J., Thakur, M.P., Türke, M. (2016):
Biodiversity–ecosystem function experiments reveal the mechanisms underlying the consequences of biodiversity change in real world ecosystems
J. Veg. Sci. 27 (5), 1061 - 1070 10.1111/jvs.12435