ECOLOGY The more diverse the merrier

摘要

Biodiversity-ecosystem function experiments have shown the importance of a diverse range of species for the health of ecosystems, but the number of species needed to maintain ecosystem functioning and services remains unclear. A meta-analysis of biodiversity research now shows, surprisingly, that 84% of grassland plant species have promoted ecosystem functioning at least once. Different species were important in different years, in different places and for different functions. These results strongly suggest that most grassland plant species provide ecosystem services. Consequently, even a few extinctions could have a deleterious effect.