Ecosystem structure Ecosystems 2 Algal crust 1 Arid and semi-arid regions 1 Background environment 1 Biodiversity 1 Biodiversity monitoring 1 Biological soil crusts 1 Carbon dioxide 1 Changing rainfall regimes 1 China 1 Coefficient of variation 1 Conservation 1 Conservation policies 1 Conservation policy 1 Desert ecosystem 1 Ecological indicators 1 Ecosystem functioning 1 Essential biodiversity variable 1 Essential biodiversity variables 1 Evidence-based 1 Individual rainfall event 1 Information products 1 Location 1 Monitoring 1 Moss crust 1 Ordos 1 Policy indicators 1 Precipitation gradients 1 Precipitation regimes 1