Alternative stable states in inherently unstable systems

Abstract Alternative stable states are nontransitory states within which communities can exist. However, even highly dynamic communities can be viewed within the framework of stable‐state theory if an appropriate “ecologically relevant” time scale is identified. The ecologically relevant time scale...

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Autores principales:	David M. Mushet, Owen P. McKenna, Kyle I. McLean
Formato:	article
Lenguaje:	EN
Publicado:	Wiley 2020
Materias:	alternate stable states community change dynamic systems ecological theory prairie‐pothole wetlands state shifts Ecology QH540-549.5
Acceso en línea:	https://doaj.org/article/cb06af02bba34b4dbfa25ea88318b232
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spelling	oai:doaj.org-article:cb06af02bba34b4dbfa25ea88318b2322021-11-04T13:06:09ZAlternative stable states in inherently unstable systems2045-775810.1002/ece3.5944https://doaj.org/article/cb06af02bba34b4dbfa25ea88318b2322020-01-01T00:00:00Zhttps://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.5944https://doaj.org/toc/2045-7758Abstract Alternative stable states are nontransitory states within which communities can exist. However, even highly dynamic communities can be viewed within the framework of stable‐state theory if an appropriate “ecologically relevant” time scale is identified. The ecologically relevant time scale for dynamic systems needs to conform to the amount of time needed for a system's community to complete an entire cycle through its normal range of variation. For some systems, the ecologically relevant period can be relatively short (eg, tidal systems), for others it can be decadal (eg, prairie wetlands). We explore the concept of alternative stable states in unstable systems using the highly dynamic wetland ecosystems of North America's Prairie Pothole Region. The communities in these wetland ecosystems transition through multiple states in response to decadal‐long climate oscillations that cyclically influence ponded‐water depth, permanence, and chemistry. The perspective gained by considering dynamic systems in the context of stable‐state theory allows for an increased understanding of how these systems respond to changing drivers that can push them past tipping points into alternative states. Incorporation of concepts inherent to stable‐state theory has been suggested as a key scientific element upon which to base sustainable environmental management.David M. MushetOwen P. McKennaKyle I. McLeanWileyarticlealternate stable statescommunity changedynamic systemsecological theoryprairie‐pothole wetlandsstate shiftsEcologyQH540-549.5ENEcology and Evolution, Vol 10, Iss 2, Pp 843-850 (2020)
institution	DOAJ
collection	DOAJ
language	EN
topic	alternate stable states community change dynamic systems ecological theory prairie‐pothole wetlands state shifts Ecology QH540-549.5
spellingShingle	alternate stable states community change dynamic systems ecological theory prairie‐pothole wetlands state shifts Ecology QH540-549.5 David M. Mushet Owen P. McKenna Kyle I. McLean Alternative stable states in inherently unstable systems
description	Abstract Alternative stable states are nontransitory states within which communities can exist. However, even highly dynamic communities can be viewed within the framework of stable‐state theory if an appropriate “ecologically relevant” time scale is identified. The ecologically relevant time scale for dynamic systems needs to conform to the amount of time needed for a system's community to complete an entire cycle through its normal range of variation. For some systems, the ecologically relevant period can be relatively short (eg, tidal systems), for others it can be decadal (eg, prairie wetlands). We explore the concept of alternative stable states in unstable systems using the highly dynamic wetland ecosystems of North America's Prairie Pothole Region. The communities in these wetland ecosystems transition through multiple states in response to decadal‐long climate oscillations that cyclically influence ponded‐water depth, permanence, and chemistry. The perspective gained by considering dynamic systems in the context of stable‐state theory allows for an increased understanding of how these systems respond to changing drivers that can push them past tipping points into alternative states. Incorporation of concepts inherent to stable‐state theory has been suggested as a key scientific element upon which to base sustainable environmental management.
format	article
author	David M. Mushet Owen P. McKenna Kyle I. McLean
author_facet	David M. Mushet Owen P. McKenna Kyle I. McLean
author_sort	David M. Mushet
title	Alternative stable states in inherently unstable systems
title_short	Alternative stable states in inherently unstable systems
title_full	Alternative stable states in inherently unstable systems
title_fullStr	Alternative stable states in inherently unstable systems
title_full_unstemmed	Alternative stable states in inherently unstable systems
title_sort	alternative stable states in inherently unstable systems
publisher	Wiley
publishDate	2020
url	https://doaj.org/article/cb06af02bba34b4dbfa25ea88318b232
work_keys_str_mv	AT davidmmushet alternativestablestatesininherentlyunstablesystems AT owenpmckenna alternativestablestatesininherentlyunstablesystems AT kyleimclean alternativestablestatesininherentlyunstablesystems
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Alternative stable states in inherently unstable systems

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