RCN: Biodiversity Mechanisms of Ecosystem Regulation in the Global Environment (BioMERGE)

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Biodiversity represents a complex and rapidly changing feature ofecosystems that is currently under intensive investigation by two distinctgroups of scientists; those that study its distribution and those thatstudy its function in ecological processes. Understanding theenvironmental consequences of widespread changes in biodiversity, however,requires bringing these groups together. BioMERGE (Biotic Mechanisms ofEcosystem Regulation in the Global Environment) will be aresearch-coordinating network that will foster the merger of these twogroups. It will develop electronic networks to coordinate the sharing anddissemination of scientific findings among participating scientists. Itwill also sponsor a series of workshops that will periodically assemblecore participants to resolve emerging theoretical and empirical issues,develop analytical tools, evaluate and recommend scientific protocol, andidentify future priorities in biodiversity research. BioMERGE will alsoserve as an information gateway for both scientists and non-scientistsalike by providing non-technical consensus papers, bibliographies,glossaries, and summaries of important findings.