A Framework to Connect Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functioning Research to Habitat Fragmentation

Abstract

The relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF) are one of the key questions in ecological studies especially in the context of the current global decline in biodiversity. However, limited effort has been done to connect BEF relationships to habitat fragmentation while we are living in an age of global habitat fragmentation, especially forest fragmentation. In this chapter, we briefly discussed why such a connection is need. We follow by outlining the major mechanisms by which habitat fragmentation can affect BEF relationships: (i) fragmentation-driven non-random turnover of species, (ii) changes in species–species interactions affecting complementarity potential, and (iii) influences on insurance effects due to changes in environmental conditions and landscape patterns. We highlight the importance of considering spatiotemporal scales in studying BEF relationships. Finally, to promote further research in this area, we present the evidence currently available to science and outline major avenues for future studies.