A rich body of knowledge links biodiversity to ecosystem functioning (BEF), but it is primarily
focused on small scales. We review the current theory and identify six expectations for scale …

Biological insurance theory predicts that, in a variable environment, aggregate ecosystem
properties will vary less in more diverse communities because declines in the performance …

Micronutrient deficiencies account for an estimated one million premature deaths annually,
and for some nations can reduce gross domestic product, by up to 11%, highlighting the …

Marine megafauna, the largest animals in the oceans, serve key roles in ecosystem
functioning. Yet, one-third of these animals are at risk of extinction. To better understand the …

Biodiversity loss decreases ecosystem functioning at the local scales at which species
interact, but it remains unclear how biodiversity loss affects ecosystem functioning at the …

Trait diversity is believed to influence ecosystem dynamics through links between
organismal traits and ecosystem processes. Theory predicts that key traits and high trait …

Humanity depends on biodiversity for health, well-being, and a stable environment. As
biodiversity change accelerates, we are still discovering the full range of consequences for …

Seafood systems are likely to face increasing environmental, economic, and political
stressors, leading to disruptions to marine ecosystems and to the communities that depend …

Phytoplanktonic organisms are particularly sensitive to environmental change, and, as they
represent a direct link between abiotic and biotic compartments within the marine food web …

Our understanding of how ecosystems function has changed from an equilibria-based view
to one that recognizes the dynamic, fluctuating, nonlinear nature of aquatic systems. This …