The future of biodiversity on Earth: The importance of preserving the phylogenetic and functional diversity of the planet

Authors

  • Daniel Sol Ecological and Forestry Applications Research Centre (CREAF) in Bellaterra (Spain).

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7203/metode.10.14601

Keywords:

global change, biodiversity loss, conservation, evolutionary rescue, flexible rescue

Abstract

The extraordinary biodiversity of Earth is currently threatened by the destruction of natural habitats, climate change, invasive species, and overexploitation. More and more, ecologists are starting to recognise that preserving the maximum number of species is insufficient. If we want to preserve functional ecosystems for the future and continue to enjoy their benefits, we must also protect phylogenetic and functional diversity. But to do this, it is not enough to delimit protected areas, we must also learn to combine the exploitation of resources with the preservation of key elements of biodiversity that guarantee the stability and functioning of ecosystems.

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Author Biography

Daniel Sol, Ecological and Forestry Applications Research Centre (CREAF) in Bellaterra (Spain).

Scientific researcher in the Spanish National Science Research Council (CSIC) at the Ecological and Forestry Applications Research Centre (CREAF) in Bellaterra (Spain). His research aims to understand how animals respond to environmental changes and the consequences of this for the loss of biodiversity. His most recent work focuses on the relationship between behaviour and life history strategies as a general mechanism for responding to changes.  

References

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Published

2020-01-08

How to Cite

Sol, D. (2020). The future of biodiversity on Earth: The importance of preserving the phylogenetic and functional diversity of the planet. Metode Science Studies Journal, (10), 175–181. https://doi.org/10.7203/metode.10.14601
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Issue

Shades of science (2020)

Section

Endless forms. Evolutionary scenarios to unravel biodiversity

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