A workshop on the ecosystem function of biodiversity in the mediterranean-type ecosystems (MTEs) of Australia was held in Perth in December 1991 (Hobbs 1992a). In this chapter we elaborate on the workshop findings. We first provide an outline of characteristics of Australian MTEs. We mostly concentrate on southwestern Australia since the workshop focussed exclusively on this region. We examine the patterns of biodiversity by considering vegetation, floristic and landscape patterns, and discuss the vegetation response to disturbance and environmental constraints. We also examine how human activities have affected these patterns. We discuss the ecosystem role of diversity in southwest Australian MTEs by presenting a number of topics and case studies which highlight some of the difficulties involved in interpreting the available information. Finally, further areas of research on the topic are discussed.
