Abstract
Distinguishing between functional redundancy and complexity is critical to developing an understanding of the consequences of species loss in ecosystems. An important case is species-rich communities closely associated with ecosystem function. It is unclear whether high species diversity reflects an increased number of functional groups or simply a higher degree of redundancy. Soil organisms represent one example of a community that affects ecosystem processes and is highly diverse. In these terrestrial detritivore-decomposer systems, the breakdown of litter and the subsequent mineralization of nutrients are carried out by a community that can approach 1000 species per m2 in some temperate woodland soils (Anderson 1978). This chapter explores a method to distinguish between functional complexity and redundancy in soil organisms using comparisons of biogeographic patterns of species diversity in communities of island soil fauna.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.