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The hidden dimensions of biodiversity

The hidden dimensions of biodiversity

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Authors

Sami Domisch, Sibylle Schroer, Sophia Kimmig, Sarah Kiefer, Robert Arlinghaus, Luc De Meester, Ashton L Dickerson, Nico Eisenhauer, Lynn Govaert, Afroditi Grigoropoulou, Hans-Peter Grossart, Fengzhi He, Sabine Hilt, Franz Hölker, Sonja C Jähnig, Gregor Kalinkat , Steffen Kolb, Theo Leger, Thomas Mehner, Daniel Mietchen, Annette Prochnow, Nicole Scheunemann, Twan Stoffers, Susanne Theuerl, Yusdiel Torres-Cambas, Cecilia Flocco, Jörg Overmann

Abstract

Uncovering and describing biodiversity is fundamental to advancing both scientific understanding and public awareness of nature. While many biodiversity facets are visible and even in the spotlight, including those biodiversity features we encounter on a daily basis, much of the world’s biodiversity remains hidden. This review addresses the critical questions: What dimensions constitute hidden biodiversity? Why does such a large fraction remain hidden, and what factors contribute to these knowledge gaps? Moreover, why is it important to unveil these hidden facets? To address these questions, we (i) dissect the various dimensions of hidden biodiversity, including the taxonomic, spatio-temporal, genetic, functional, social, and methodological dimensions, and (ii) identify prevalent knowledge gaps. Moreover, we (iii) highlight possible ways forward on how to deal with hidden biodiversity, and (iv) conclude with the proposal of guiding principles to shape future research in this field.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.32942/X25W6D

Subjects

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Life Sciences

Keywords

taxonomic, functional, genetic, social, methodological, spatio-temporal, Bias

Dates

Published: 2025-07-18 20:07

Last Updated: 2025-07-18 20:07

License

CC-By Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Additional Metadata

Language:
English

Conflict of interest statement:
None