Resilience (ecological) in AP Environmental Science

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.