Ecological thresholds and transformations due to climate change: The role of abiotic stress DOI Creative Commons
Michael J. Osland, John B. Bradford, Lauren T. Toth

et al.

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16(4)

Published: April 1, 2025

Abstract An ecological threshold is the point at which a comparatively small environmental change triggers an abrupt and disproportionately large response. In face of accelerating climate change, there concern that ecosystem transformations will become more widespread as critical thresholds are crossed. There has been ongoing debate, however, regarding prevalence across natural world. While ubiquitous in some ecosystems, have difficult to detect others. Some studies even concluded responses uncommon world overly emphasized literature. As ecologists who work ecosystems chronically exposed high abiotic stress, we consider be concepts can greatly advance understanding inform management. But quantifying challenging, if not impossible, without data strategically collected for purpose. Here, present conceptual framework built upon linkages between climate‐driven responses, risk transformation. We also simple approach stress gradients. hypothesize especially influential where autotroph diversity low foundation species play prominent role. Abiotic conditions these environments often near physiological tolerance limits species, means changes trigger landscape‐level transformations. Conversely, alleviation allow thrive spread into previously inhospitable locations. provide examples this behavior from four high‐stress environments: coastal wetlands, coral reefs, drylands, alpine ecosystems. Our overarching aim review clarify strong relationships thresholds, transformation under change.

Language: Английский

Ecological thresholds and transformations due to climate change: The role of abiotic stress DOI Creative Commons
Michael J. Osland, John B. Bradford, Lauren T. Toth

et al.

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16(4)

Published: April 1, 2025

Abstract An ecological threshold is the point at which a comparatively small environmental change triggers an abrupt and disproportionately large response. In face of accelerating climate change, there concern that ecosystem transformations will become more widespread as critical thresholds are crossed. There has been ongoing debate, however, regarding prevalence across natural world. While ubiquitous in some ecosystems, have difficult to detect others. Some studies even concluded responses uncommon world overly emphasized literature. As ecologists who work ecosystems chronically exposed high abiotic stress, we consider be concepts can greatly advance understanding inform management. But quantifying challenging, if not impossible, without data strategically collected for purpose. Here, present conceptual framework built upon linkages between climate‐driven responses, risk transformation. We also simple approach stress gradients. hypothesize especially influential where autotroph diversity low foundation species play prominent role. Abiotic conditions these environments often near physiological tolerance limits species, means changes trigger landscape‐level transformations. Conversely, alleviation allow thrive spread into previously inhospitable locations. provide examples this behavior from four high‐stress environments: coastal wetlands, coral reefs, drylands, alpine ecosystems. Our overarching aim review clarify strong relationships thresholds, transformation under change.

Language: Английский

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