Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems The Function of Biodiversity [Paperback]

Human activities are causing species extinctions at a rate and magnitude rivaling those of past geologic extinction events.
Exploring mediterranean-type ecosystems - the Mediterranean Basin, California, Chile, Australia, and South Africa - this volume addresses the question whether biological diversity plays a significant role in the functioning of natural ecosystems, and to what extent that diversity can be reduced without causing system malfunction. Comparative studies in ecosystems that are similar in certain respects, but differ in others, offer considerable scope for gaining new insights into the links between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.Human activities are causing species extinctions at a rate and magnitude rivaling those of past geologic extinction events.
Exploring mediterranean-type ecosystems - the Mediterranean Basin, California, Chile, Australia, and South Africa - this volume addresses the question whether biological diversity plays a significant role in the functioning of natural ecosystems, and to what extent that diversity can be reduced without causing system malfunction. Comparative studies in ecosystems that are similar in certain respects, but differ in others, offer considerable scope for gaining new insights into the links between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.1 Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems: Opportunities and Constraints for Studying the Function of Biodiversity.- 1.1 Focus on Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems.- 1.2 Definitions.- 1.3 Why Study Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function?.- 1.4 Linking Diversity and Ecosystem Function.- 1.5 Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems: Similarities and Differences Between Regions.- 1.5.1 Climate.- 1.5.2 Soils.- 1.5.3 Vegetation.- 1.5.4 Human Transformation.- 1.6 History of Research on Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems.- 1.7 Opportunities for Studying Links Between Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function in MTEs.- References.- 2 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function in the Mediterranean BasilӍ