Ecosystem Function

Ecosystem function expresses the subset of the interactions between biophysical structures, biodiversity and ecosystem processes that underpin the ability of an ecosystem to provide ecosystem services whereby it maintains its integrity (Maes et al. 2014) 1) . Examples of such functions are the primary production and biogeochemical cycles (Harrington et al. 2010) 2) .

1)
Maes, J.; Teller, A.; Erhard, M.; Murphy, P.; Paracchini, M. L.; Barredo, J. I. et al. (2014): Mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services. Indicators for ecosystem assessments under action 5 of the EU biodiversity strategy to 2020 : 2nd report - final, February 2014. Luxembourg: Publications Office (Technical Report, 2014-080).
2)
Harrington, R.; Anton, C.; Dawson, T. P.; Bello, F. de; Feld, C. K.; Haslett, J. R., et al. (2010): Ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation. Concepts and a glossary. In: Biodiversity and Conservation 19 (10), p. 2773–2790.