Towards an Integrative, Eco-Evolutionary Understanding of Ecological Novelty: Studying and Communicating Interlinked Effects of Global Change. (18th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heger, Tina; Bernard-Verdier, Maud; Gessler, Arthur; Greenwood, Alex D; Grossart, Hans-Peter; Hilker, Monika; Keinath, Silvia; Kowarik, Ingo; Kueffer, Christoph; Marquard, Elisabeth; Müller, Johannes; Niemeier, Stephanie; Onandia, Gabriela; Petermann, Jana S; Rillig, Matthias C; Rödel, Mark-Oliver; Saul, Wolf-Christian; Schittko, Conrad; Tockner, Klement; Joshi, Jasmin; Jeschke, Jonathan M
• Is Part Of: BioScience. Volume 69:Number 11(2019:Nov.)
• Page Start: 888
• Page End: 899
• Publication Date: 2019-09-18
• Subjects: Anthropocene -- eco-evolutionary experience -- global change -- novel ecosystems -- shifting baselines; Life sciences -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- United States -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology industries -- Periodicals; 570
• DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biz095
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0006-3568

Abstract

Abstract: Global change has complex eco-evolutionary consequences for organisms and ecosystems, but related concepts (e.g., novel ecosystems) do not cover their full range. Here we propose an umbrella concept of "ecological novelty" comprising (1) a site-specific and (2) an organism-centered, eco-evolutionary perspective. Under this umbrella, complementary options for studying and communicating effects of global change on organisms, ecosystems, and landscapes can be included in a toolbox. This allows researchers to address ecological novelty from different perspectives, e.g., by defining it based on (a) categorical or continuous measures, (b) reference conditions related to sites or organisms, and (c) types of human activities. We suggest striving for a descriptive, non-normative usage of the term "ecological novelty" in science. Normative evaluations and decisions about conservation policies or management are important, but require additional societal processes and engagement with multiple stakeholders.