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

Daniel Sol

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.

Keywords


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

Full Text: PDF

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

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