Dataset Information

The links between ecosystem multifunctionality and above- and belowground biodiversity are mediated by climate.

ABSTRACT: Plant biodiversity is often correlated with ecosystem functioning in terrestrial ecosystems. However, we know little about the relative and combined effects of above- and belowground biodiversity on multiple ecosystem functions (for example, ecosystem multifunctionality, EMF) or how climate might mediate those relationships. Here we tease apart the effects of biotic and abiotic factors, both above- and belowground, on EMF on the Tibetan Plateau, China. We found that a suite of biotic and abiotic variables account for up to 86% of the variation in EMF, with the combined effects of above- and belowground biodiversity accounting for 45% of the variation in EMF. Our results have two important implications: first, including belowground biodiversity in models can improve the ability to explain and predict EMF. Second, regional-scale variation in climate, and perhaps climate change, can determine, or at least modify, the effects of biodiversity on EMF in natural ecosystems.

SUBMITTER: Jing X

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4569729 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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The links between ecosystem multifunctionality and above- and belowground biodiversity are mediated by climate.

Jing Xin X Sanders Nathan J NJ Shi Yu Y Chu Haiyan H Classen Aimée T AT Zhao Ke K Chen Litong L Shi Yue Y Jiang Youxu Y He Jin-Sheng JS

Nature communications 20150902

Plant biodiversity is often correlated with ecosystem functioning in terrestrial ecosystems. However, we know little about the relative and combined effects of above- and belowground biodiversity on multiple ecosystem functions (for example, ecosystem multifunctionality, EMF) or how climate might mediate those relationships. Here we tease apart the effects of biotic and abiotic factors, both above- and belowground, on EMF on the Tibetan Plateau, China. We found that a suite of biotic and abiotic ...[more]

PMID: 26328906

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Dataset Information

The links between ecosystem multifunctionality and above- and belowground biodiversity are mediated by climate.

Publications

The links between ecosystem multifunctionality and above- and belowground biodiversity are mediated by climate.

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