Mokany_et_al-2015-Oikos.pdf (449.13 kB)
Integrating modelling of biodiversity composition and ecosystem function
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 22:34 authored by Karel Mokany, Simon Ferrier, Sean R Connolly, Piers K Dunstan, Elizabeth A Fulton, Michael B Harfoot, Thomas D Harwood, Anthony J Richardson, Stephen H Roxburgh, Jörn P W Scharlemann, Derek P Tittensor, David A Westcott, Brendan A WintleThere is increasing reliance on ecological models to improve our understanding of how ecological systems work, to project likely outcomes under alternative global change scenarios and to help develop robust management strategies. Two common types of spatiotemporally explicit ecological models are those focussed on biodiversity composition and those focussed on ecosystem function. These modelling disciplines are largely practiced separately, with separate literature, despite growing evidence that natural systems are shaped by the interaction of composition and function. Here we call for the development of new modelling approaches that integrate composition and function, accounting for the important interactions between these two dimensions, particularly under rapid global change. We examine existing modelling approaches that have begun to combine elements of composition and function, identifying their potential contribution to fully integrated modelling approaches. The development and application of integrated models of composition and function face a number of important challenges, including biological data limitations, system knowledge and computational constraints. We suggest a range of promising avenues that could help researchers overcome these challenges, including the use of virtual species, macroecological relationships and hybrid correlative-mechanistic modelling. Explicitly accounting for the interactions between composition and function within integrated modelling approaches has the potential to improve our understanding of ecological systems, provide more accurate predictions of their future states and transform their management.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
OikosISSN
0030-1299Publisher
WileyExternal DOI
Issue
1Volume
125Page range
10-19Department affiliated with
- Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications
Research groups affiliated with
- Sussex Sustainability Research Programme Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2015-09-21First Open Access (FOA) Date
2016-08-01First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2015-09-18Usage metrics
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