Using model systems to address the biodiversity–ecosystem functioning process

Abstract

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 311:295-309 (2006) - doi:10.3354/meps311295 Using model systems to address the biodiversity–ecosystem functioning process M. T. Bulling1,*, P. C. L. White1, D. Raffaelli1, G. J. Pierce2 1Environment Department, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK 2School of Biological Sciences, Zoology Building, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK *Email: mtb7@york.ac.uk ABSTRACT: Declines in biodiversity resulting from anthropogenic disturbance to ecosystems have focused attention on the role of biodiversity in ecosystem functioning. However, the high level of complexity of ecosystems has made this a difficult topic to investigate. Much simpler model systems incorporating small-scale, spatially delimited, artificial assemblages of species have been widely used recently to address the link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF). Their simplicity lends tractability to these systems, but has also resulted in much criticism in the literature over their relevance. Here, we examine the strengths and limitations of model systems and examine how useful these systems might be in addressing several issues that are likely to represent future challenges to understanding BEF: spatial scale, multiple trophic levels, variation, environmental stochasticity and the choice of representative combinations of species. We find that model systems have already played an important role in enhancing our understanding of BEF and are likely to continue this role in the future. However, they do have important limitations, and it is essential to take these into account when putting results into the broader context of ecosystems and to improve the level of integration of results with those from other methodologies. KEY WORDS: Biodiversity · Ecosystem functioning · Model systems · Hidden treatments · Spatial scale · Multiple trophic levels · Mesocosms Full text in pdf format PreviousExport citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 311. Online publication date: April 13, 2006 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2006 Inter-Research.