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Ecology

Diversity and stability in plant communities (Reply)

Nature volume 446, pages E7–E8 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

Bezemer and van der Putten1 observe that greater initial plant diversity is associated with greater productivity (total above-ground plant biomass), greater ecosystem temporal stability and greater stability of plant community composition (that is, lower per-species extinction and colonization rates). Their results are consistent with the results of our biodiversity experiment2 and with predictions of theory3, but with an intriguing twist.

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References

  1. Bezemer, T. M. & van der Putten, W. H. Nature 446, doi: 10.1038/nature05749 (2007).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St Paul, 55108, Minnesota, USA

    David Tilman

  2. Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, St Paul, 55108, Minnesota, USA

    Peter B. Reich

  3. School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 68588-0118, Nebraska, USA

    Johannes Knops

Authors
  1. David Tilman
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  2. Peter B. Reich
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  3. Johannes Knops
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to David Tilman.

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Tilman, D., Reich, P. & Knops, J. Diversity and stability in plant communities (Reply). Nature 446, E7–E8 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature05750

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