Resistance (ecological)

Definition

Resistance in ecology refers to how much an ecosystem resists change when faced with disturbances or stressors. It measures the ability of an ecosystem to maintain its structure and function despite external pressures.

Analogy

Think of resistance as a superhero's ability to withstand attacks from villains. Just like a superhero's resilience allows them to endure challenges, ecological resistance is the capacity of an ecosystem to withstand and recover from disturbances.

Related terms

Resilience: Resilience refers to an ecosystem's ability to bounce back or recover quickly after being disturbed or experiencing a stressor.

Disturbance regime: A disturbance regime describes the frequency, intensity, and duration of disturbances that occur in an ecosystem over time.

Succession: Succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time following a disturbance. It involves predictable patterns of species replacement and community development.