How is ecosystem resilience defined?

Ecosystem resilience is defined as the capacity of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances while maintaining its essential functions and structures. This concept highlights the importance of an ecosystem's ability to absorb shocks, such as natural disasters or human-induced changes, and bounce back to its original state or adapt to a new equilibrium.

Resilience encompasses not only recovery from disturbances but also adaptability, which allows ecosystems to retain their integrity and continue to provide services despite facing challenges. Therefore, the definition aligns closely with the concept of maintaining functionality and stability in the face of changes rather than preventing disturbances entirely or simply becoming more biodiverse over time. Stability without external influences, while a characteristic of some ecosystems, does not capture the dynamic nature of resilience, which emphasizes recovery and adaptation.