Linking Terrestrial and Aquatic Biodiversity to Ecosystem Function Across Scales, Trophic Levels, and Realms

Abstract

Global declines in biodiversity have the potential to affect ecosystem function, and vice versa, in both terrestrial and aquatic ecological realms. While many studies have considered biodiversity-ecosystem function (BEF) relationships at local scales within single realms, there is a critical need for more studies examining BEF linkages among ecological realms, across scales, and across trophic levels. We present a framework linking abiotic attributes, productivity, and biodiversity across terrestrial and inland aquatic realms. We review examples of the major ways that BEF linkages form across realms–cross-system subsidies, ecosystem engineering, and hydrology. We then formulate testable hypotheses about the relative strength of these connections across spatial scales, realms, and trophic levels. While some studies have addressed these hypotheses individually, to holistically understand and predict the impact of biodiversity loss on ecosystem function, researchers need to move beyond local and simplified systems and explicitly investigate cross-realm and trophic interactions and large-scale patterns and processes. Recent advances in computational power, data synthesis, and geographic information science can facilitate studies spanning multiple ecological realms that will lead to a more comprehensive understanding of BEF connections.

Macroinvertebrate diversity and ecosystem functioning across the eutrophication gradients of the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River lakes (China)

“…Especially the freshwater ecosystems have become the most vulnerable and threatened in regions where humans have persistently intensified their use for various purposes (Reid et al, 2019 ). The links between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning have been explored for more than two decades, but studies exploring the relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem function (BEF) across trophic gradients in freshwater ecosystems are limited (Covich et al, 2004 ; Dahlin et al, 2021 ).…”

“…As consumers at intermediate trophic levels, macroinvertebrates regulate nutrient cycling, primary productivity, secondary productivity, decomposition, and translocation of materials (Covich et al, 2004 ). Actions such as sediment burrowing and mixing by macroinvertebrates can transform organic detritus from sedimentary storage into dissolved nutrients as a major source of primary producers (Covich et al, 2004 ; Dahlin et al, 2021 ). Indices such as species richness, Shannon diversity, and Simpson diversity of macroinvertebrates all are proven to be positive indicators of the organic matter breakdown and nutrient cycling in lakes and rivers (Cao et al, 2018 ; Smeti et al, 2019 ).…”

“…For instance, trait diversification and phylogenetic diversity have greater niche complementarity in macroinvertebrates reflecting the enhanced functional specialization in freshwater systems (Cadotte et al, 2011 ; Le Bagousse‐Pinguet et al, 2019 ). Despite extensive studies on macroinvertebrates diversity and its effects on ecosystem functioning, only a few, such as the litter decomposition and nutrient cycling are limited in lakes and rivers (Dahlin et al, 2021 ; Monroy et al, 2017 ).…”

“Lo acuático y lo terrestre” tienen cabida en Ecosistemas

“…Amenazas como la contaminación, la invasión por es-pecies exóticas, la pérdida de servicios ecosistémicos, etc. hacen que los estudios de estos ecosistemas contribuyan de gran manera a entender los efectos del cambio global (Gallardo et al 2016;Schmeller et al 2018;Dahlin et al 2021). Pero no podemos dejar de lado que la ecología es una disciplina con un fuerte carácter holístico.…”

Frameworks for mapping lake ecosystem services. An example from Lithuania

“…Freshwater ecosystems, such as lakes, are essential for supporting socio-ecologic systems [1] . Lake ecosystems support terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity, playing an important role in ecological processes at different spatial scales [2 , 3] . These ecosystems also provide an array of benefits for human well-being through the deliverance of ecosystem services (ES) [1] .…”