Linking patterns of rarity to ecosystem processes 

The ecosystem functions provided by plant communities are essential for the maintenance of life on Earth. Theoretically, a positive relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem services is expected, in which some species in the community contribute in different ways to this ecosystem services. For example, some rare plant species play ecological functions not supported by common species, making them crucial for the ecosystem services provided by plants. However, the extent to which rare and common species contribute to ecosystem services is still poorly understood. This project seeks to understand how rare and common species contribute to ecosystem services? and (2) explore how environmental changes may influence the ecosystem services provided by both rare and common species?