Summary
Ecosystems may flip abruptly between two persistent states, such as clear and turbid lakes.
In depth
Feedbacks can maintain either of two states: clear lakes with macrophytes or turbid ones with algae. Gradual stress can cause a sudden flip with hysteresis, so restoring needs more than reversing stress.
Regime shifts show hysteresis: returning to previous conditions may not restore the original state. Early warning signs include increased variance.
Key idea: gradual change can produce abrupt, hard-to-reverse transitions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Alternative Stable States?
Ecosystems may flip abruptly between two persistent states, such as clear and turbid lakes.
Which area of biology covers Alternative Stable States, and how advanced is it?
Alternative Stable States is one of the 54 topics in Ecology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Climate Change Ecology, Ecological Succession, Biotic and Abiotic Factors.
Can you give an example of Alternative Stable States?
Coral reefs shifting to algal dominance.
What should I learn before Alternative Stable States?
Work through the Beginner topics in Ecology first, such as Ecology, Ecosystem, Biotic and Abiotic Factors, then return to Alternative Stable States. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Alternative Stable States?
The closest topics to Alternative Stable States are Climate Change Ecology, Ecological Succession, Biotic and Abiotic Factors, Ecosystem. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Alternative Stable States?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Alternative Stable States. To practise the whole of Ecology, use the Ecology quiz.
How is Alternative Stable States different from Climate Change Ecology?
Alternative Stable States: Ecosystems may flip abruptly between two persistent states, such as clear and turbid lakes. Climate Change Ecology: Warming shifts species ranges, phenology and interactions, creating mismatches in ecosystems. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Alternative Stable States step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Climate Change Ecology and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Ecology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.