Download Assignment 4 - Does biodiversity matter?

Assignment 4 - Does biodiversity matter?
To many people, “global change” implies climate change. Many of the biological aspects of change (like
biodiversity losses) are rarely considered as part of the public discussions of global change, even though
many biologists believe we are causing unprecedented levels of extinction. Historically, scientists
understood intuitively that biodiversity is important, but supporting evidence had been lacking. In recent
decades, there has been a steady accumulation of information on the relationship between biodiversity
and ecosystem function, most of which supports the importance of biodiversity. Your task will be to
briefly summarize the emerging scientific consensus on the importance of biodiversity, by addressing the
following specific questions:
1) What is biodiversity? Provide a generally accepted definition consistent with the Convention on
Biological Diversity (see Cardinale et al. 2012 & Mace et al. 2012). (1 point)
2) What do we mean by ecosystem function? Define this term and provide a key example (See Mace et
al. 2012, Cardinale et al. 2012). (1 point)
3) How does biodiversity affect ecosystem function? Specifically, explain how biodiversity losses alter
ecosystem function, and use 2 key examples of ecosystem properties or processes influenced by
biodiversity that are well-supported in the literature (See Cardinale et al. 2012). (approx. 2 points)
4) How does the effect of biodiversity loss on ecosystem function compare quantitatively and
qualitatively to the effects of other drivers of ecosystem change? Specifically, use nitrogen addition or
water limitations as examples of other drivers of change. (See Hooper et al. 2012 or Tilman et al. 2012,
cited in Cardinale et al. 2012). (approx. 2 points)
5) From an economic and policy perspective, what is needed to properly value biodiversity, and why is it
important to understand the links between biodiversity, ecosystem function, and ecosystem services?
What challenges exist to making these links? (See Cardinale et al. 2012). (approx. 2 points)
6) What policy-relevant “take-home” message(s) regarding biodiversity and global change issue can you
draw from these sources and this analysis? Specifically, should we consider biodiversity losses as an
important “global change” issue comparable to climate change or other issues? (approx. 2 points)
Due date: Tuesday, April 5 (in class).
Suggested page limits: 2 pages (including references cited)
Additional suggestions: Write this for an educated person, and try to express your answer in non-technical
terms comprehensible by your peers. Avoid using excessive jargon or phrases or sentences from your
sources verbatim (but remember to use quotes and cite your source if you do). Most of the topic can be
addressed by using Cardinale et al. 2012 as your primary source. In addition to the primary paper, you
may use other sources listed below as supporting materials. Remember to cite all our sources using an
appropriate citation format (e.g. APA).
References cited:
Cardinale BJ, et al. (2012) Biodiversity loss and its impact on humanity. Nature 486:59-67
Hooper, DU, Adair EC, Cardinale BJ, Byrnes JEK, Hungate BA, Matulich KL, Gonzalez A, Duffy JE, Gamfeldt L,
O’Connor MI (2012) A global synthesis reveals biodiversity loss as a major driver of ecosystem change Nature,
486:105-109.
Mace et al. (2012) Biodiversity and ecosystem services: a multilayered relationship. Trends in Ecology and
Evolution 27:19-26.
Tilman D, Reich PB, Isbell F (2012) Biodiversity impacts ecosystem productivity as much as resources, disturbance,
or herbivory. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 109: 10394–10397