Biodiversity-induced opposing shifts of tipping points in mutualistic ecological networks.

Abstract

While biodiversity is recognized as crucial for ecosystem stability, the mechanisms governing its dual role in collapse and restoration dynamics remain unclear. By analyzing ten empirical plant-pollinator mutualistic networks, we uncover a biodiversity paradox: increased biodiversity lowers the collapse threshold while enhancing restoration potential. This counterintuitive phenomenon is quantitatively linked to a significant negative correlation between biodiversity levels and hysteresis loop width. To understand this paradox, we develop a refined degree-weighted mean-field framework, reducing high-dimensional dynamics to a tractable two-dimensional system. By integrating potential landscape theory from nonequilibrium statistical mechanics, we uncover the physical basis of biodiversity-driven threshold shifts. Systematic modulation of mutualistic interaction degrees across stochastic networks further confirms the universal regulatory role of reduced biodiversity in collapse-restoration tipping points. Our findings provide a quantitative framework for predicting ecosystem resilience and optimizing restoration strategies across biodiversity gradients.