Heterogeneity and Ecosystem Function: Enhancing Ecological Understanding and Applications

Four themes emerging from papers presented at the Tenth Cary Conference are discussed in this synthesis. First, conditions are considered in which both landscape composition and configuration influence ecosystem function. Where there is some vector of flow (e.g., water, wind, animal) between landscape components that differ in type or rate of ecosystem processes, configuration will influence ecosystem function. The second theme is that a network perspective offers opportunities to advance both theoretical and applied analyses of landscape heterogeneity. Analyses of the interaction of human and natural networks and of networks and patches are fruitful areas for future research. A third theme is the need to reflect more fully the diversity of human activities and their history and institutions when assessing landscape heterogeneity and ecosystem function. Finally, an enhanced understanding of landscape heterogeneity and ecosystem function will improve four aspects of human interactions with nature: the framework of environmental regulations, management of land and water resources, environmental design, and ecosystem restoration. Realizing these improvements requires that we find a vocabulary to express to the public the influence of landscape heterogeneity on ecosystem function and hence the ecosystem services that society values.