克隆繁殖产生基因型相同的个体。通常情况下，局域克隆多样性取决于Eriksson种苗补充机制，即已有基因型丧失和新基因型补充之间的平衡。但是，环境因素对克隆多样性也有着重要的作用，如干扰会通过提供种苗更新机会或影响幼苗生长来改变克隆多样性。以前的研究表明遗传变异程度确定进化潜力，最近的研究揭示出基因型多样性也有着即时效应。 较高的基因型多样性可能会因含有抗性基因型概率较高的抽样效应和/或保险机制而提高稳定性。一些研究发现克隆多样性的提高可增加初级生产力、维持动物丰富度和多度，并影响生物地球化学过程。该文也讨论了克隆多样性与生态系统功能关系的机制。
Clonal reproduction produces genetically identical ramets. Generally, local clonal diversity is determined by the dynamic balance between loss of established genets and recruitment of new genotypes via sexual reproduction or colonization, as described by Eriksson’s recruitment mechanism. However, environmental factors also play important roles in clonal diversity. For example, disturbance will affect local clonal diversity by increased recruitment and mortality of seedlings. Genetic variation is a prerequisite for evolutionary adaptation to environmental changes and plays a key role in the survival of a population or a species. However, recent studies indicate that genotypic diversity also has instant aneous effects. High genotypic diversity might enhance population stability due to high probability of presence of resistant genotypes and/or biological insurance. Recent studies showed that clonal diversity may increase primary production, maintain faunal richness and/or abundance, and affect biogeochemical processes, as does species diversity. Mechanisms of clonal diversity effects on ecosystem functioning are discussed.