The concept of 'ecological resilience' has gained significant traction in environmental science, referring to an ecosystem's capacity to absorb disturbance and reorganize while undergoing change so as to retain essentially the same function, structure, identity, and feedbacks. Unlike stability, which emphasizes resistance to change and rapid recovery to an original state, resilience acknowledges that ecosystems may shift to alternative stable states. This perspective is crucial for managing natural resources under climate change, as it encourages adaptive management strategies that accept inevitable transformations rather than futile attempts to preserve historical baselines. However, critics argue that the concept is often applied too loosely, making it difficult to operationalize in concrete policy decisions.
❓ According to the passage, what is a key difference between ecological resilience and stability?
A. Resilience focuses on returning to the original state, while stability accepts alternative states.
B. Stability emphasizes resistance to change and quick recovery, while resilience allows for shifts to new stable states.
C. Resilience is only applicable to climate change, whereas stability applies to all disturbances.
D. Stability is a newer concept that has replaced resilience in environmental management.
✅ 正确答案
Stability emphasizes resistance to change and quick recovery, while resilience allows for shifts to new stable states.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first