Involved member of MultiTroph: Georg Albert
Functional Ecology, Volume37, Issue10, October 2023, Pages 2652-2665, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.14419
Summary: This study used a bio-energetic model to investigate how niche complementarity among plants and animals affects the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF). The researchers found that increased niche complementarity in plants strengthens the diversity-function relationship, but only if it doesn’t lead to an increase in intraspecific competition. They also found that while increased complementarity among animals can have a positive effect, the outcome is highly variable. The study highlights the importance of the interplay between trait variation within and among species, and the balance between intra- and interspecific competition in shaping ecosystems over time.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the way in which niche complementarity increases is critical to the biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationship. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms behind this relationship and has practical implications for ecosystem management and conservation efforts.