Abstract
The complex dynamics of ecological communities and populations and the resulting
patterns of temporal and spatial variation of species diversity have long been a central
focus of ecology. The biological diversity of different communities and ecosystems is
an emergent property influenced by a variety of factors including abiotic constraints at
local and regional scales; biotic interactions at local scales; connection of interacting
communities in metacommunities; and evolution. While these factors are interwoven
via feedbacks and reciprocal connections, they tend to be studied separately, limiting
our ability to evaluate risks to biological sustainability in a time of rapid environmental
change, which is of great concern in marine ecosystems. For example, theoretical
approaches have often focused on biotic interactions, and in particular, on networks of
feeding interactions termed food webs, which have been simplified in ways that ignore
other factors that influence biodiversity. However, food webs may prove to be a
convenient, tractable framework with which to integrate across multiple approaches to
study key issues such as the importance of basic abiotic constraints for diversity; the
evolution of functional trait diversity; and the influence of food webs versus other kinds
of ecological networks such as mutualistic webs on ecosystem function and stability.
Article Outline

Introduction

o
Basic Theory

Function and Stability

Food Webs and Fisheries

General Properties of Marine Food Web Structure

Overfishing and Biodiversity

Outlook
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See also
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Further Reading
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Relevant Websites