Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Ecosystem stability refers to the ability of an ecosystem to maintain its structure and function despite disturbances or changes in conditions.
Related terms
Resilience: This is the capacity of an ecosystem to recover quickly from disturbances or damages, just like how quickly a bike recovers after hitting a bump.
Resistance: This is the ability of an ecosystem to remain unchanged despite disturbances or changes in conditions, similar to how a sturdy bike remains undamaged even after hitting several bumps.
This refers to the variety of life within an ecosystem. It's like having different types of tools in your repair kit - the more variety you have, the better equipped you are to fix any issues that come up with your bike.