Farwig Group

Our research group focuses on the influence of human land and resource use on biodiversity and ecological processes. So far, little is known about the way in which biodiversity contributes to the stability of ecosystems such as forests. As human use leads to global losses of natural habitats, it is crucial to understand how ecosystems respond when diversity declines. Is there a minimum number of species necessary to maintain the functions of ecosystems and their services to humans? The goal of our research is to develop sustainable use concepts for natural resources that ensure both biodiversity conservation and ecosystem functions for humans.