Biodiversity is a multidimensional construct, but it is rarely treated as
such. Most often, we use the single metric of species richness to
quantify biodiversity loss though it is well known that functional,
phylogenetic, and other dimensions of biodiversity can be equally
important. We use structural equation modeling to explore how the loss of
diversity in multiple dimensions provides novel insights into the way
ecosystems function. We provide three examples; (1) the consequences of
herbivory on understory vegetation in a hardwood forest, (2) the
consequences of nitrogen enrichment on arctic tundra vegetation, and (3)
the consequences of biogeography on the fragility of bird communities in
the Solomon Islands. These studies support the argument that the well
documented, often adverse consequences of biodiversity loss on ecosystem
functions and services are likely to be more complex than prevailing
unidimensional studies have proven.