The concept of 'environmental resilience' has gained traction in ecological studies, referring to an ecosystem's capacity to absorb disturbances while maintaining its core functions. Recent research by Thompson et al. (2022) suggests that resilience is not a static property but varies with the intensity and frequency of stressors. For instance, coral reefs exhibit remarkable recovery after mild bleaching events, yet prolonged thermal stress can trigger a regime shift to algal-dominated states, from which return is unlikely. This underscores the importance of temporal dynamics in assessing ecosystem health. Critics argue, however, that focusing solely on resilience may overlook the intrinsic value of pristine habitats, which are irreplaceable regardless of their adaptive potential. Thus, while resilience offers a pragmatic framework for conservation, it should complement, not replace, biodiversity preservation efforts.
❓ According to the passage, what is a key limitation of focusing only on environmental resilience?
A. It ignores the role of human intervention in ecosystem recovery.
B. It may undervalue the importance of untouched natural habitats.
C. It fails to account for the effects of mild disturbances.
D. It assumes ecosystems can always return to their original state.
✅ 正确答案
It may undervalue the importance of untouched natural habitats.
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