The concept of 'environmental resilience' has gained traction in ecological studies, referring to an ecosystem's capacity to absorb disturbances while maintaining its fundamental structure and functions. Unlike mere resistance, which implies an unchanging state, resilience emphasizes adaptability and recovery. For instance, coral reefs subjected to bleaching events may exhibit resilience if they can regenerate through the recruitment of new polyps or the survival of resilient symbionts. However, resilience is not infinite; excessive or frequent stressors can push systems past critical thresholds, leading to regime shifts where a new, often less desirable, equilibrium emerges. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective conservation, as it shifts focus from preventing all change to managing adaptive capacity and preserving options for future trajectories.
❓ According to the passage, what is the key difference between resilience and resistance in an ecosystem?
A. Resistance involves changes in structure, while resilience maintains an unchanging state.
B. Resilience emphasizes recovery and adaptation, whereas resistance implies maintaining an unchanged state.
C. Resistance is more important than resilience for conservation efforts.
D. Resilience only applies to coral reefs, while resistance applies to all ecosystems.
✅ 正确答案
Resilience emphasizes recovery and adaptation, whereas resistance implies maintaining an unchanged state.
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