Wayne,
The questions I have reflected on and can comment on are the last three:
The distinction between functions and services I thought has always
been an human based distinction where services are those functions
that have important human values. Don't ask me though to then list
those that are functions and those that are services.
For question number 5 in my biodiversity is the provider of functions.
For six, absolutely it is more than numbers, composition plays a huge
role, and the functional ecologist, would argue that the traits of
the species present in a community or ecosystem are important. We
also have plenty of evidence that for particular function, one
species can indeed bet better than many, at least over the short
term, which also answers number 7, the numbers, or identities must be
able to change over time, which is in large part the foundation of
the diversity stability debate.
Cheers,
Fabrice
On Apr 20, 2007, at 11:33 AM, Wayne Tyson wrote:
> I'm a bit confused too. terHorst makes a good point, but I suspect
> that if there is a truth beneath the semantics and the labels and the
> presumptions and the homeocentric bias, it might be at once more
> complex and simple that we understand--or are capable of
> understanding. But that's why ecology is endlessly interesting, eh?
>
> Once upon a time, long, long ago, I was blatting on about ecosystem
> function. Then Dick Vogl said, "I don't know what 'ecosystem
> function' is." That set me to thinking--critically, about my
> assumptions, because I considered Vogl to be an ecology prodigy, if
> not genius. One thing about him--he thought WAY out of the box, but
> always tied it to more or less conventional theory so those around
> him would have something "solid" to cling to while Vogl spun his
> magic.
>
> So perhaps terHorst's remarks should at least not be overlooked,
> perhaps given serious thought.
>
> 1. What IS ecosystem function?
>
> 2. What is an "ecosystem service?"
>
> 3. What are the differences between the two?
>
> 4. Are they related at all, and if so, just how?
>
> 5. Where does "biodiversity" fit into each?
>
> 6. Is there more to biodiversity than numbers?
>
> 7. Are those numbers valid in a dynamic sense over time?
>
> WT
>
> At 07:47 AM 4/20/2007, Casey terHorst wrote:
>> I've always had difficulty understanding how a static measure
>> (such as
>> biodiversity, or even something like biomass) can be called a
>> function. This
>> is partly just a semantic issue, but largely a real issue as well.
>>
>> Casey
>>
>> --
>> Casey terHorst
>> Department of Biological Science
>> CON 115
>> Florida State University
>> Tallahassee, FL 32306
>> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>>
>> Quoting Fabrice De Clerck <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>:
>>
>>> I have a quick question for the listserve for which I would be
>>> interested in hearing people's opinions, and experiences.
>>>
>>> The question is: Is biodiversity an ecosystem service?
>>>
>>> Those of us that work in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
>>> studies typically regard biodiversity at the provider of services
>>> and
>>> functions. Tilman's biodiversity and productiity, the biodiversity
>>> and stability work, biodiversity and pollination (Klein),
>>> biodiversity and pest control (Perfecto).
>>>
>>> Meanwhile in much of the development and economics literature,
>>> biodiversity itself is a unique service and function where it is not
>>> uncommon to see people state that "we will work with farmers to
>>> improve the capacity of coffee farms to provide critical ecosystem
>>> services such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity and water."
>>>
>>> Are both correct or is it important to distinguish between
>>> biodiversity serving as a function, and biodiversity as the provider
>>> of services.
>>>
>>> All comments are welcome on- or off the listserve.
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>> Fabrice
>>>
>>> *****************************************************
>>> Fabrice De Clerck PhD
>>>
>>> Landscape Ecologist/Ecologo de Paisaje
>>> Dept. Agricultura y Agroforesteria
>>> CATIE 7170, Turrialba, Costa Rica
>>> Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>>> Phone: (506) 558-2596
>>> Fax: (506) 558-2046
>>> Web: www.catie.ac.cr
>>>
>>> Adjunct Associate
>>> Tropical Agriculture Program
>>> The Earth Institute at Columbia University
>>> Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>>> Skype: fadeclerck
>>> Web:www.earthinstitute.columbia.edu/mvp/
>>> *******************************************************
>>> "Everything not given is lost"
>>>
*****************************************************
Fabrice De Clerck PhD
Landscape Ecologist/Ecologo de Paisaje
Dept. Agricultura y Agroforesteria
CATIE 7170, Turrialba, Costa Rica
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Phone: (506) 558-2596
Fax: (506) 558-2046
Web: www.catie.ac.cr
Adjunct Associate
Tropical Agriculture Program
The Earth Institute at Columbia University
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Skype: fadeclerck
Web:www.earthinstitute.columbia.edu/mvp/
*******************************************************
"Everything not given is lost"
