DOI
https://doi.org/10.1086/282400

Summary
In this study it is suggested that local animal species diversity is related to the number of predators in the system and their efficiency in preventing single species from monopolizing some important, limiting, requisite. Where predators capable of preventing monopolies are missing, the systems become less diverse. On the other side, no direct correlation between predator density and latitude was found. Although, if the predation can obviate monopolies, an increase in species diversity can be observed thanks to a positive feedback mechanism, until some limitation is reached. Proposed examples of limitation are space or the removal of pray by other predators that causes exclusion to occur to a particular consumer.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
This paper shows the situation a long time ago and therefore is useful to understand how complexity understanding in biology evolved through the time. This evolution is one of the key points in imagining future education at whatever level

Point of Strength
This study identifies the function of predators as a key element in the maintenance of species diversity.