WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS
Analyzing 318 food webs, researchers found taxonomic richness associated with modeled primary consumption and predation energy flux. Greater maximum trophic levels and predator trophic complementarity helped explain this connection, including higher predation flux across freshwater networks.
WHY IT MATTERS / OUR READ
Ecological function depends on trophic roles and interactions as well as species numbers; counting taxa alone cannot tell whether the food web is intact.
CAVEATS / UNCERTAINTY
Energy-flux models are proxies, not direct measures of global pest control or ecosystem stability. Published 1 July 2026, newly covered evidence.
SOURCE
Nature — Barnes et al. (1 Jul 2026)
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