A theoretical framework for the ecological role of three‐dimensional structural diversity

Abstract

The three-dimensional (3D) physical aspects of ecosystems are intrinsically linked to ecological processes. Here, we describe structural diversity as the volumetric capacity, physical arrangement, and identity/traits of biotic components in an ecosystem. Despite being recognized in earlier ecological studies, structural diversity has been largely overlooked due to an absence of not only a theoretical foundation but also effective measurement tools. We present a framework for conceptualizing structural diversity and suggest how to facilitate its broader incorporation into ecological theory and practice. We also discuss how the interplay of genetic and environmental factors underpin structural diversity, allowing for a potentially unique synthetic approach to explain ecosystem function. A practical approach is then proposed in which scientists can test the ecological role of structural diversity at biotic-environmental interfaces, along with examples of structural diversity research and future directions for integrating structural diversity into ecological theory and management across scales.

Forest ecosystem properties emerge from interactions of structure and disturbance

“…Such considerations could include observing how species use structural features, mapping disturbance patterns, using new tools to quantify forest structures, or a combination of approaches (LaRue et al . 2023). Emergent properties may originate from the interface of vegetative structures, or, as in Borneo, from the absence of disturbance.…”

“…Front Ecol Environ 2023; 21(1): 14-23, doi:10.1002/fee.2589 C limate, species, and land-use history each affect spatiotemporal variations in forest structural complexity (Ehbrecht et al 2021). Forest structural diversity -defined as the volumetric capacity and physical arrangement of biotic components within ecosystems (LaRue et al 2023) -has consequences for ecosystem function and resilience. Forest structure is often quantified with metrics including tree diameter and height, stand density, biomass, or basal area, whereas structural diversity integrates three-dimensional (3D) forest structure and species diversity.…”

Structural diversity as a reliable and novel predictor for ecosystem productivity

“…Despite having roots in early ecology (MacArthur and MacArthur 1961), the idea that diverse vegetation structure plays a crucial role in ecosystem function has been given surprisingly little consideration since its origin (LaRue et al . 2023). In general, plants of varying sizes and structure are located across different horizontal and vertical spaces within an ecosystem, leading to the unique occupancy of niche axes such as light (Vieilledent et al .…”

“…Structural diversity -the volumetric capacity (total, occupied, and unoccupied) and physical arrangement of biotic components within ecosystems (LaRue et al 2023)has the potential to serve as an additional and possibly even superior predictor of productivity. Despite having roots in early ecology (MacArthur and MacArthur 1961), the idea that diverse vegetation structure plays a crucial role in ecosystem function has been given surprisingly little consideration since its origin (LaRue et al 2023).…”

“…Structural diversity -the volumetric capacity (total, occupied, and unoccupied) and physical arrangement of biotic components within ecosystems (LaRue et al 2023)has the potential to serve as an additional and possibly even superior predictor of productivity. Despite having roots in early ecology (MacArthur and MacArthur 1961), the idea that diverse vegetation structure plays a crucial role in ecosystem function has been given surprisingly little consideration since its origin (LaRue et al 2023). In general, plants of varying sizes and structure are located across different horizontal and vertical spaces within an ecosystem, leading to the unique occupancy of niche axes such as light (Vieilledent et al 2010;Forrester et al 2017).…”