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- Title
Catastrophic shifts in ecosystems.
- Authors
Scheffer, M; Carpenter, S; Foley, J A; Folke, C; Walker, B
- Abstract
All ecosystems are exposed to gradual changes in climate, nutrient loading, habitat fragmentation or biotic exploitation. Nature is usually assumed to respond to gradual change in a smooth way. However, studies on lakes, coral reefs, oceans, forests and arid lands have shown that smooth change can be interrupted by sudden drastic switches to a contrasting state. Although diverse events can trigger such shifts, recent studies show that a loss of resilience usually paves the way for a switch to an alternative state. This suggests that strategies for sustainable management of such ecosystems should focus on maintaining resilience.
- Publication
Nature, 2001, Vol 413, Issue 6856, p591
- ISSN
0028-0836
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1038/35098000