Species traits, species richness and the resilience of wetlands after disturbance

Recent studies on grasslands demonstrate that species losses and subsequent changes in diversity can decrease the resilience (recovery ability) of ecosystems after a disturbance and can alter ecosystem functioning (e.g., productivity). These studies also explain that responses of ecosystems to environmental perturbation or species loss ultimately depend on individual species traits and species interactions within a community We conducted an experiment with 220 wetland mesocosms in summer 1998 to test whether species richness or presence of specific species of submersed aquatic plants (Potamogeton Pectinatzis L., Potamogeton nodosus Poir., Potamoge ton crispus L., Zannichellia palustris L., and Ruppia maritina L.) affect the resilience of macrophyte above-ground biomass and total ecosystem respiration after disturbance (clipping). Neither respiration or final biomass were affected significantly by macrophyte species richness. Species richness also did not have a significant effect on the resilience of macrophyte biomass and system respiration. In contrast, the presence of specific species had significant effects on macrophyte biomass, respiration and the resilience of these processes. This study demonstrates that species roles and impacts need to be considered when assessing the effects of biodiversity loss on ecosystem functioning and resilience. This information is vital in the effective management, conservation, restoration, and creation of functioning wetlands.