Inside Biodiversity Is Biodiversity Loss Always Bad?
Jun 5, 2025
In this intriguing discussion, Jonathan Chase, head of the biodiversity synthesis research group at iDiv, dives into the paradoxes of biodiversity loss. He explores surprising findings, such as how some disturbances can actually increase species counts. Chase elaborates on the complexities of measuring biodiversity, emphasizing that it's not simply about counting species. He also highlights the nuance in language and ethical considerations when discussing biodiversity change, urging a deeper reflection on what we value in nature.
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Scale Shapes Species Counts
- Species richness counts depend entirely on the spatial scale and sampling window used.
- Comparing richness without specifying scale leads to misleading conclusions.
Global Extinction Estimates Are Uncertain
- Global extinction estimates rely on sparse documented extinctions and uncertain background rates.
- Reported large multipliers over background come with substantial uncertainty from fossil and modeling inferences.
Hawaii's Lost Bird Radiations
- Hawaii's bird radiations, like honeycreepers, declined sharply after mosquitoes and disease arrived with ships.
- These introductions wiped out unique island diversifications that evolved over millions of years.