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Catastrophic shifts in ecosystems

Author

Listed:
  • Marten Scheffer

    (Wageningen University, PO Box 8080)

  • Steve Carpenter

    (Center for Limnology, University of Wisconsin)

  • Jonathan A. Foley

    (Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE), Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin)

  • Carl Folke

    (Stockholm University)

  • Brian Walker

    (CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, GPO Box 284)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:413:y:2001:i:6856:d:10.1038_35098000
    DOI: 10.1038/35098000
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