Pbkp_redicting richness effects on ecosystem function in natural communities: insights from high‐elevation streams

Abstract:

Despite the increased complexity of experimental and theoretical studies on the biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (B–EF) relationship, a major challenge is to demonstrate whether the observed importance of biodiversity in controlled experimental systems also persists in nature. Due to their structural simplicity and their low levels of human impacts, extreme species‐poor ecosystems may provide new insights into B–EF relationships in natural systems. We address this issue using shredder invertebrate communities and organic matter decomposition rates in 24 high‐altitude (3200–3900 m) Neotropical streams as a study model. We first assessed the effects of stream characteristics and shredder diversity and abundance on organic matter decomposition rates in coarse‐ and fine‐mesh bags. We found the interaction term shredder richness × shredder abundance had the most significant impact on decomposition …

Año de publicación:

2011

Keywords:

Fuente:

google