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Exploring alternative states in ecological systems with a qualitative analysis of community feedback

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  • Marzloff, Martin P.
  • Dambacher, Jeffrey M.
  • Johnson, Craig R.
  • Little, L. Richard
  • Frusher, Stewart D.

Abstract

Demonstrating and predicting the existence of alternative states in natural communities remains a challenge for ecologists and is essential for resource managers. Positive feedback is often presented as central in maintaining alternative ecosystem states, but no formal approach relates this part of theory to real world applications. Through qualitative modelling of community response to long-term perturbations, we define generic mechanistic links between positive feedback and the occurrence of alternative states. Positive feedback diminishes a system's overall resistance to change, and can create and maintain correlations in the relative abundance of variables that coincide with alternative states.

Suggested Citation

  • Marzloff, Martin P. & Dambacher, Jeffrey M. & Johnson, Craig R. & Little, L. Richard & Frusher, Stewart D., 2011. "Exploring alternative states in ecological systems with a qualitative analysis of community feedback," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 222(15), pages 2651-2662.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:222:y:2011:i:15:p:2651-2662
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2011.03.040
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marten Scheffer & Steve Carpenter & Jonathan A. Foley & Carl Folke & Brian Walker, 2001. "Catastrophic shifts in ecosystems," Nature, Nature, vol. 413(6856), pages 591-596, October.
    2. Peter J. Mumby & Alan Hastings & Helen J. Edwards, 2007. "Thresholds and the resilience of Caribbean coral reefs," Nature, Nature, vol. 450(7166), pages 98-101, November.
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    1. Rustici, M. & Ceccherelli, G. & Piazzi, L., 2017. "Predator exploitation and sea urchin bistability: Consequence on benthic alternative states," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 344(C), pages 1-5.
    2. Alexandridis, Nikolaos & Dambacher, Jeffrey M. & Jean, Fred & Desroy, Nicolas & Bacher, Cédric, 2017. "Qualitative modelling of functional relationships in marine benthic communities," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 360(C), pages 300-312.
    3. Clavareau, Lyndsay & Dambacher, Jeffrey M. & Trenkel, Verena M. & Gourguet, Sophie & Tixier, Paul & Marzloff, Martin P., 2023. "Exploitation and depredation rates determine viability of depredation-impacted fisheries," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 483(C).
    4. Marzloff, Martin P. & Johnson, Craig R. & Little, L. Rich & Soulié, Jean-Christophe & Ling, Scott D. & Frusher, Stewart D., 2013. "Sensitivity analysis and pattern-oriented validation of TRITON, a model with alternative community states: Insights on temperate rocky reefs dynamics," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 258(C), pages 16-32.

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