But tying changes in soil biodiversity to shifts in ecosystem function is a daunting task. Many of the world's ecosystems have undergone degradation, and biological diversity has declined as a result.

The findings do not mean that climate change is less problematic for biodiversity in comparison, says Altermatt. "However, it is likely that the full extent of its impact cannot yet be verified ...

with higher biodiversity have fewer species that depend on just one other for food, shelter and maintaining their environment. With the example above, puffins could also eat molluscs and worms.