We found that goat grazing affected diversity, and community composition, leading to taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic biotic homogenization, and causing overall community impoverishment. We also reconstructed a phylogeny of all plant species found at the study site and determined the phylogenetic structure of the plant community in ungrazed and grazed areas. As a measure of functional diversity, we recorded plant growth‐form, life‐span and life‐form. Loss of functional and/or phylogenetic diversity can result in important losses in ecosystem function. By integrating analyses of the impact of goat grazing on functional and phylogenetic diversity and dispersion, we studied the mechanisms behind goat impact, and the potential consequences. In this study, we evaluated the effects of goat grazing on plant taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic community structure by comparing 39‐yr‐old grazing exclusion plots and unprotected plots in an arid shrubland from north‐central Chile. Since the vegetation has a relatively short evolutionary history of grazing, it is expected to be highly susceptible to this activity. In the arid ecosystems of north‐central Chile, unregulated goat grazing is widespread. However, lack of adequate regulation of ranching activities can lead to the degradation of plant communities, which in turn can impact ecosystem functioning. Livestock production is an important activity in drylands.
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