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