Description

The global biodiversity crisis has sparked significant research efforts aimed at understanding three key themes: Species coexistence, Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functioning Relationships (BEF), and Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functional Stability Relationships (BEFS). While each of these themes has been studied extensively, there has been a notable lack of integration among them, hindering our ability to comprehensively grasp the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss. In this article, we explore recent advancements towards mechanistic integration of coexistence, BEF, and BEFS, shedding light on the interconnectedness of these critical ecological processes. One of the fundamental challenges in understanding biodiversity lies in unraveling the mechanisms that underlie species coexistence within ecosystems. Species coexistence refers to the ability of multiple species to inhabit the same ecological niche without excluding one another. This phenomenon has long intrigued ecologists, who have proposed various mechanisms such as niche partitioning, competitive exclusion, and facilitation to explain how diverse species can coexist within a community.

Biodiversity

Parallel to investigations into species coexistence, researchers have explored the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. This area of study, known as BEF, seeks to understand how the variety and abundance of species within an ecosystem influence its overall functioning and productivity. Numerous studies have demonstrated that higher levels of biodiversity are often associated with enhanced ecosystem functioning, including nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and resistance to environmental stressors. Building upon the foundation of BEF research, scientists have more recently turned their attention to Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functional Stability Relationships (BEFS). This emerging field investigates how changes in biodiversity affect the stability and resilience of ecosystems in the face of disturbances, such as climate change, habitat loss, and species extinctions. Understanding BEFS is crucial for predicting the long-term sustainability and resilience of ecosystems in the face of global environmental changes. While research on coexistence, BEF, and BEFS has traditionally been conducted in isolation, recent efforts have aimed to bridge these thematic areas and uncover their interconnectedness. By elucidating the mechanistic links between species coexistence, ecosystem functioning, and ecosystem stability, researchers hope to gain a more holistic understanding of the complex dynamics driving biodiversity patterns and ecosystem processes. One key insight that has emerged from these integrative efforts is the expectation of positive associations between coexistence and BEF, as well as between BEF and BEFS.

Ecology

In other words, diverse communities of species are expected to exhibit higher levels of ecosystem functioning and stability. However, the exact nature of these relationships may vary depending on the specific ecological context and the underlying mechanisms at play. Moving forward, future research should strive to incorporate more mechanistic approaches and broader ecological contexts into studies of biodiversity. By adopting a multidisciplinary perspective that integrates theories and methodologies from ecology, evolutionary biology, and ecosystem science, scientists can continue to unravel the intricacies of biodiversity dynamics and their implications for ecosystem sustainability and resilience in an ever-changing world. Moreover, as we delve deeper into the mechanistic underpinnings of biodiversity dynamics, it is essential to consider the role of key ecological processes such as trophic interactions, nutrient cycling, and community assembly mechanisms. By elucidating how these processes interact to shape patterns of species coexistence, ecosystem functioning, and stability, we can enhance our ability to predict the responses of ecosystems to environmental changes and inform conservation and management strategies. Ultimately, the integration of coexistence, BEF, and BEFS represents a critical step towards a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of biodiversity and its significance for the health and resilience of ecosystems worldwide.