Structural equation modeling approach to the diversity-productivity relationship of Wadden Sea phytoplankton

Research confirms that biodiversity significantly drives ecosystem functions and services, even in natural marine environments. A study on Wadden Sea phytoplankton used structural equation modeling to analyze monitoring data, revealing strong links between community diversity (richness, evenness) and productivity, including resource use efficiency. These relationships are embedded in complex direct and indirect interactions with environmental factors. The findings align with patterns observed in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, underscoring the importance of multivariate methods for understanding biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF) processes in natural systems.

Hodapp, D., Meier, S., Muijsers, F., Badewien, T., & Hillebrand, H. (2015). Structural equation modeling approach to the diversity-productivity relationship of Wadden Sea phytoplankton. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 523, 31–40. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps11153