Krohs, Ulrich and Zimmer, Martin ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1549-8871 (2023) Do ecosystems have functions?. Ecology and Evolution, 13 (9). DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10458.

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Abstract

‘Ecosystem function’ and ‘ecosystem functioning’ became core keywords in the ecological literature on ecosystems, their structure, development and integrity. We investigate functions from the perspective of causal contributions to higher capacities, as selected effects, as contributions to the stability and self-maintenance of organisms and as type-fixed effects. Based on an in-depth discourse in philosophy of science, we conclude that ecosystems do not have functions in any sense that goes beyond a mere description of a causal contribution. We recommend the terms ‘ecosystem function’ and ‘ecosystem functioning’ be avoided in the ecological literature (and beyond).

Document Type:	Article
Programme Area:	PA4
Research affiliation:	Ecology > Mangrove Ecology
Refereed:	Yes
Open Access Journal?:	Yes
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10458
ISSN:	2045-7758
Date Deposited:	11 Sep 2023 10:23
Last Modified:	04 Oct 2023 07:32
URI:	http://cris.leibniz-zmt.de/id/eprint/5247

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