Patterns of species abundance typical of undisturbed areas should be protected. Lichens and mosses can have great influence on soil surface stabilization, erosion reduction, and seedbed establishment for species prone to extirpation by severe run-off. Species diversity declines can be associated with community dominance by shade tolerant species and reduction of species that are shade intolerant. Larger numbers of herbaceous species in highly eroded abandoned fields may be due in part to less tree and shrub cover but also to microhabitat diversity. However, edge effect could lower reproductive success of some bird species by the invasion of brood parasites, such as cow birds.
Habitat fragmentation causes area loss and creation of remnant patches.
The extinction of one species influences other species which historically had associations with the former species, ultimately influencing the food chain. Dispersal ability differs with species. Although number of species may remain at or near equilibrium, identities of species may not remain constant due to immigration and extinction rates. Area sensitive species, such as neotropical migrant bird species, need large forest parcels to survive. If current forest edge along the Cache River is converted to interior by newly formed edge from old field succession, biodiversity may be maintained or increased.