MK
Answered
Describe the ongoing research concerning the relationship between species richness and community stability. What research supports or fails to support this relationship?
On May 26, 2024
Concepts to Consider: The traditional view supports increasing species richness as a cause of community stability; experimental and field research supports this view, including: (1) studies in monocultures such as agricultural areas that are susceptible to disruptions due to lack of species richness, and (2) studies by Tilman and Downing in Minnesota grasslands; however, typical community structure does vary from year to year, indicating a natural variation in species densities. Also note criticisms of this study that suggest using established ecosystems, rather than plots, in order to avoid additional confounding variables.