Too much diversity—Multiple definitions of geodiversity hinder its potential in biodiversity research

Geodiversity—the diversity of abiotic features and processes of the Earth's surface and subsurface—is an increasingly used concept in ecological research. A growing body of scientific literature has provided evidence of positive links between geodiversity and biodiversity. These studies highlig...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Diversity & distributions 2024-06, Vol.30 (6), p.1-7
Main Authors: Maliniemi, Tuija, Tukiainen, Helena, Hjort, Jan, Toivanen, Maija, Vernham, Grant, Bailey, Joseph J., Baines, Oliver, Benniston, Lucy, Brilha, José, Field, Richard, Fox, Nathan, Gray, Murray, Grytnes, John-Arvid, Huusko, Karoliina, Kemppinen, Julia, Pereira, Paulo, Salminen, Henriikka, Schrodt, Franziska, Turner, Laura, Alahuhta, Janne
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
abiotic diversity
Biodiversity
biodiversity patterns
Biogeography
Climate change
Conservation practices
conservation strategies
conserving nature's stage
definition of geodiversity
Earth surface
Ecological research
Environmental conditions
environmental heterogeneity
Geodiversity
geodiversity terminology
Geology
Geomorphology
Hydrology
Interdisciplinary aspects
Peer review
PERSPECTIVE
Variables
Citations: Items that this one cites
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Summary:Geodiversity—the diversity of abiotic features and processes of the Earth's surface and subsurface—is an increasingly used concept in ecological research. A growing body of scientific literature has provided evidence of positive links between geodiversity and biodiversity. These studies highlight the potential of geodiversity to improve our understanding of biodiversity patterns and to complement current biodiversity conservation practices and strategies. However, definitions of geodiversity in ecological research vary widely. This can hinder the progress of geodiversity–biodiversity research and make it difficult to synthesize findings across studies. We therefore call for greater awareness of how geodiversity is currently defined and for more consistent use of the term ‘geodiversity’ in biodiversity research.
ISSN:1366-9516
1472-4642
DOI:10.1111/ddi.13843