Ecosystem resilience

Definition

Ecosystem resilience refers to the ability of an ecosystem to withstand disturbances and still maintain its essential structure, functions, and processes. This concept highlights how ecosystems can absorb changes, recover from disruptions, and adapt to stressors such as climate change, ultimately influencing biodiversity and ecological stability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ecosystem resilience is influenced by factors such as biodiversity, which can enhance an ecosystem's ability to recover from disturbances.
2. Resilient ecosystems can mitigate the impacts of climate change by maintaining key processes like carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling.
3. Human activities, like deforestation and pollution, can reduce ecosystem resilience by creating stressors that disrupt natural processes.
4. Climate change impacts, such as increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, pose significant threats to ecosystem resilience across the globe.
5. Restoration efforts aimed at improving biodiversity and reducing human impact can enhance the resilience of ecosystems facing climate change.

Review Questions

• How does biodiversity contribute to ecosystem resilience?
  • Biodiversity plays a critical role in enhancing ecosystem resilience because it provides a wider array of species that can perform various ecological functions. When ecosystems have diverse species, they are better equipped to cope with disturbances since different species may respond differently to stressors. This diversity allows ecosystems to maintain their functions even when some species are negatively impacted.
• Discuss the relationship between ecosystem resilience and climate change impacts.
  • Ecosystem resilience is closely linked to how well ecosystems can adapt to the impacts of climate change. Resilient ecosystems are able to maintain their structure and functions despite stressors such as temperature increases, altered rainfall patterns, or more frequent extreme weather events. However, as climate change accelerates, many ecosystems face challenges that may exceed their adaptive capacity, leading to reduced resilience and potential collapse.
• Evaluate strategies for enhancing ecosystem resilience in the face of ongoing climate change.
  • To enhance ecosystem resilience amidst ongoing climate change, strategies may include increasing biodiversity through habitat restoration, implementing sustainable land-use practices, and protecting key species that play critical roles in maintaining ecosystem functions. Additionally, creating protected areas that allow ecosystems to adapt naturally can be effective. Engaging local communities in conservation efforts also fosters a sense of stewardship that can contribute to the long-term resilience of these ecosystems.

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, which contributes to resilience by providing a range of species that can adapt to changes.

Disturbance: An event or force that disrupts ecosystem structure and function, such as natural disasters or human activities, affecting resilience.

Adaptive capacity: The ability of an ecosystem to adjust to changes and disturbances, which is a crucial factor in determining its overall resilience.