Comment on "Plant species richness and ecosystem multifunctionality in global drylands"

Science. 2012 Jul 13;337(6091):155; author reply 155. doi: 10.1126/science.1220620.

Abstract

Maestre et al. (Reports, 13 January 2012, p. 214) reported a general, but weak, positive relationship between plant diversity and ecosystem multifunctionality in global drylands. We show that the strength of this relationship changes consistently along multiple environmental gradients, becoming strongly positive in stressed habitats. This suggests that biodiversity loss may have especially strong consequences in harsh environments.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Biodiversity*
  • Climate*
  • Ecosystem*
  • Plants*