Abstract. Plant roots have a large diversity of form and function, which is also related to their degree of mycorrhizal association. This is known as the fungal collaboration gradient, where thinner r...

In the dense and biodiverse San Emilio ForestGEO plot of Costa Rica, every tree tells a story. Not just above ground, but deep below the surface. Discover how different trees adapt to their environmen...

Tropical ecosystems contain the world's largest biodiversity of vascular plants. Yet, our understanding of tropical functional diversity and its contribution to global diversity patterns is constrain...

Tropical ecosystems contain the world's largest biodiversity of vascular plants. Yet, our understanding of tropical functional diversity and its contribution to global diversity patterns is constrain...

Nature Reviews Biodiversity, Published online: 11 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s44358-025-00040-1Maintaining human well-being in an era of biodiversity loss requires understanding the role of biodiversity in ecosystem function. We argue that absolute abundance can drive ecosystem function and that this measure should be considered alongside traditional measures of biodiversity.

Oscar J. Valverde, Laynara F. Lugli, Lucia Fuchslueger, Florian Hofhansl, Nathielly Martins, Amanda L. Cordeiro, Karst Schapp, Kelly Anderson, Sabrina Garcia, Adriana Grandis, Carol A. Miron, Katri…

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We develop a new generalized optimality theory of stomatal conductance that optimizes any non-foliar fitness proxy that requires water and carbon reserves, like growth, survival, and reproduction. We...