Abstract
Maintenance of ecological functions and disturbance regimes within ecosystems is as important as preserving species populations or their genetic structure, biotic communities, and landscapes. There is considerable dispute as to how species diversity influences productivity and stability of various ecosystem structural and dynamic attributes. Some view each and every species as making an incremental contribution to these features. Others assume that some redundancy exists. Addition or loss of species can be anecdotally shown to influence ecosystems in proportion to the role such organisms. Subtle but essential interactions are easy to overlook, however. We should try to keep all the parts until more definitive research is available on this topic. Sustainable development will require balancing resource use with maintenance of our natural legacies. Ecosystem perspectives must contribute to decisions on where the balance exists.
Recommended Citation
West, Neil E. and Whitford, Walter G.
(1995)
"Intersection of ecosystem and biodiversity concerns in the management of rangelands,"
Natural Resources and Environmental Issues: Vol. 4, Article 8.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/nrei/vol4/iss1/8
