For example, the number of species in an area may remain stable while the actual composition of species changes dramatically. Species contribute differently to the overall functioning of ecosystems and changing species assemblages may also eventually affect ecosystem service provisioning. This understanding could be sought through a different analysis of biodiversity, one based on the presence and distribution of different functional (life history} traits rather than just genetic or species diversity. This can present a more direct functional link between biodiversity, ecological functions, and the resilience of both.