2002: the year of the ‘diversity – ecosystem function’ debate

The main conclusion of a detailed review on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in 2001 was to recommend continuing research into general patterns between species loss and ecosystem processes, in relation to habitat management. Four key papers have emerged from an explosion of recent experimental tests addressing this question. Studies by Pfisterer and Schmid, and by Schaffers provide empirical evidence for the lack of a unique relationship between increased ecosystem diversity and ecosystem function or stability. Paine and, in a separate report, Willms et al. describe the problems associated with ignoring trophic links in the experimental testing of the ‘diversity – production’ debate. These findings highlight the importance of rigorous testing of general ecological theory before recommending it for use by habitat or population managers.