Quantitative geodiversity assessment in biodiversity investigations
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
University of Oulu, Linnamaa, OP Auditorium (L10)
Topic of the dissertation
Quantitative geodiversity assessment in biodiversity investigations
Doctoral candidate
Master of Science, Master of Arts Maija Toivanen
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Science, Geography Research Unit
Subject of study
Geography
Opponent
Docent Sonja Kivinen, University of Eastern Finland
Custos
Docent Janne Alahuhta, University of Oulu
The role of geodiversity in biodiversity research
Geodiversity, or the diversity of non-living nature, has gained increased attention in scientific discourse in recent years. It refers to the diversity of geological, geomorphological and hydrological features of the Earth's (sub-)surface, which also provide the basis for biodiversity.
This thesis explores the concept of geodiversity and its relationship to biodiversity. The aim of the research is to develop methods for quantifying geodiversity in biodiversity investigations, and to suggest applications for nature conservation. It also presents the first Europe-wide geodiversity dataset, which enables extensive further research on the topic.
The results confirm the general perception that there is a positive link between geodiversity and biodiversity. Observations in Finland and Switzerland showed that higher geodiversity in regions was associated with higher species richness, supporting the theory of the importance of diverse abiotic environment for species. The link was investigated in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
The methods developed and data produced in the thesis provide a valuable starting point for future research. The data are freely available, allowing for comparable research on the links between geodiversity and biodiversity across Europe. Here, geodiversity was measured as ‘georichness’, which is based on the ‘species richness’ measure used in biodiversity research. The study focused on geodiversity at landscape level, measured at 1 km and 10 km resolution.
The results highlight the importance of geodiversity in biodiversity conservation. Geodiversity provides a new perspective for planning conservation measures that need to take into account large spatial extents, such as entire catchment areas. Integrating geodiversity systematically into nature conservation and decision-making can improve the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of conservation efforts.
This thesis also challenges conventional views of nature’s diversity that define diversity narrowly and primarily in biotic terms. Increased understanding of geodiversity will contribute to a more holistic approach to nature, both in research and in public discourse.
The thesis is published in the Nordia Geographical Publications series.
This thesis explores the concept of geodiversity and its relationship to biodiversity. The aim of the research is to develop methods for quantifying geodiversity in biodiversity investigations, and to suggest applications for nature conservation. It also presents the first Europe-wide geodiversity dataset, which enables extensive further research on the topic.
The results confirm the general perception that there is a positive link between geodiversity and biodiversity. Observations in Finland and Switzerland showed that higher geodiversity in regions was associated with higher species richness, supporting the theory of the importance of diverse abiotic environment for species. The link was investigated in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
The methods developed and data produced in the thesis provide a valuable starting point for future research. The data are freely available, allowing for comparable research on the links between geodiversity and biodiversity across Europe. Here, geodiversity was measured as ‘georichness’, which is based on the ‘species richness’ measure used in biodiversity research. The study focused on geodiversity at landscape level, measured at 1 km and 10 km resolution.
The results highlight the importance of geodiversity in biodiversity conservation. Geodiversity provides a new perspective for planning conservation measures that need to take into account large spatial extents, such as entire catchment areas. Integrating geodiversity systematically into nature conservation and decision-making can improve the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of conservation efforts.
This thesis also challenges conventional views of nature’s diversity that define diversity narrowly and primarily in biotic terms. Increased understanding of geodiversity will contribute to a more holistic approach to nature, both in research and in public discourse.
The thesis is published in the Nordia Geographical Publications series.
Last updated: 26.8.2024