Catastrophic Thresholds: A Synthesis of Concepts, Perspectives, and Applications

摘要: Research reported in this feature identifies a convergence of interpretations regarding the threshold dynamics complex ecological systems. This has arisen from diverse set investigations addressing rangeland ecosystem dynamics, disease transmission, and fluctuations populations insect pests. Effective application concept to management will require development more robust linkages between non-equilibrium theory protocols identify triggers that initiate conditions, feedback loops establish system resilience, developmental trajectories attributes potential alternative stable states. Successful implementation these theory/ underpin an operational framework resilience-based is founded upon identification structural indicators are correlated with vulnerability or proximity thresholds, rather than per se. Several indicate thresholds strongly influenced by scale; multiple cross-scale interactions demonstrate need for greater knowledge analyses address scale-dependent processes, i.e., critical scales scaling laws. emphasizes relevance natural resource applications so doing demonstrates comprehensive integrated capable quantitatively assessing at inform policy recommendations optimal risk assessment.