The concept of 'ecological resilience' has gained prominence 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 mere stability, which implies resistance to change, resilience emphasizes adaptability and recovery. Recent studies suggest that ecosystems with higher biodiversity often exhibit greater resilience, as diverse species can fulfill similar ecological roles, providing a buffer against species loss. However, human activities such as habitat fragmentation and pollution can erode this resilience, pushing systems toward thresholds beyond which they may shift into alternative, often less desirable, states. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective conservation strategies, as managers must focus not only on preserving current conditions but also on maintaining the capacity for future adaptation.
❓ According to the passage, what is a key difference between ecological resilience and mere stability?
A. Resilience focuses on preventing any change, while stability allows for some change.
B. Resilience emphasizes an ecosystem's ability to recover and adapt, whereas stability implies resistance to change.
C. Stability is a measure of biodiversity, while resilience is a measure of productivity.
D. Stability applies only to terrestrial ecosystems, while resilience applies to aquatic ones.
✅ 正确答案
Resilience emphasizes an ecosystem's ability to recover and adapt, whereas stability implies resistance to change.
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)
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