
TL;DR
Fragmentation and reconnection cycles in landscapes can increase biodiversity by selectively removing highly connected species, creating a ratchet effect that enhances diversity over time.
Contribution
This paper introduces the concept that landscape fragmentation and reconnection cycles act as a diversity ratchet, promoting higher biodiversity levels.
Findings
Fragmentation reduces interspecies connectivity, increasing diversity.
Reconnection causes extinction of highly connected species.
Sequential fragmentation-coalescence cycles lead to higher diversity levels.
Abstract
A fragmented landscape reduces the impact of interspecies connectivity, leading to higher diversity levels than otherwise possible in a connected landscape. Reconnecting a previously fragmented landscape initiates an extinction event, preferentially weeding out more highly connected species. A sequence of fragmentation-coalescence events will drive the ecosystem to higher levels of diversity in a ratchet-like effect, than if the landscape continuously remained connected.
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