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Resilience (ecological)

Definition

Resilience refers to the ability of an ecosystem to withstand and recover from natural disruptions or disturbances, such as wildfires, hurricanes, or droughts. It is a measure of how well an ecosystem can maintain its structure and function in the face of these challenges.

Related terms

Biodiversity: Biodiversity refers to the variety and abundance of different species within an ecosystem. High biodiversity often contributes to greater resilience because it provides more options for adaptation and recovery.

Succession: Succession is the process by which ecosystems change over time after a disturbance. It involves the gradual replacement of one community by another until a stable climax community is reached.

Keystone species: Keystone species are organisms that play a critical role in maintaining the structure and functioning of an ecosystem. Their presence greatly influences the overall resilience of an ecosystem.

"Resilience (ecological)" appears in:

Additional resources (1)

  • AP Environmental Science - Unit 2 Overview: The Living World: Biodiversity

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About Us

About Fiveable

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CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.