The SLOSS debate in fragmented grasslands: A multi-dimensional biodiversity perspective.

ABSTRACT: Conservationists have long debated whether fragmented habitats are best conserved by protecting a single large patch (SL) or several small patches (SS), i.e., the SLOSS debate. Although this SLOSS debate has provided important insights into biodiversity conservation, research has predominantly focused on only one dimension of diversity (i.e., taxonomic), failing to consider how phylogenetic and functional diversity might inform conservation strategies. In this study, we determined whether grasslands in the agro-pastoral ecotone of the Tabu River Basin, Inner Mongolia should be conserved by protecting a single large patch or several small patches. For this purpose, we quantified the relationships between three dimensions of biodiversity (taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity) an

SUBMITTER: Yu JW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12919241 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature