Ecosystems on the edge

In grasslands, biodiversity loss is widespread and accelerating, mainly due to several factors related to the intensification of their use. This chapter summarizes current and likely near-future trends in grassland biodiversity, focusing on the main human-driven causes, which are land use, nutrient deposition, and biological invasions. We explore the effect of these drivers on various attributes of biodiversity, including compositional, structural, and functional aspects ( sensu Noss). Additionally, we briefly show the interdependence between different indicators of biodiversity and how this is elucidated experimentally. This information underscores the integral and essential role of biodiversity, not only for conserving grasslands but also for sustaining life on Earth.