What does ecological resilience refer to?

Ecological resilience refers to the capacity of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances. This concept emphasizes the ability of ecosystems to absorb shocks, such as natural disasters, human activities, or environmental changes, and then return to their original state or adapt to a new equilibrium without undergoing drastic alterations.

Resilience is crucial for maintaining ecosystem functions and services, as it enables systems to withstand and recover from challenges. A resilient ecosystem can bounce back from disturbances, ensuring the continuity of biodiversity and sustainable interactions within environmental communities. This ability to recover might involve processes such as regeneration of species, restoration of habitats, or reestablishing ecological functions after the disturbance has occurred.

Understanding ecological resilience is vital for conservation efforts, as it helps in designing strategies that promote the health and longevity of ecosystems under stress.