Module 1: Ecological dynamics and resilience
Ecological dynamics can be understood from a complex systems perspective. Mapping
the interactions between biotic and abiotic variables could lead to recognition of negative and
positive feedback mechanisms that may stabilize or destabilize the ecosystem. In the past decades, a lot of
research has focused on the questions: how resilient are marine ecosystems to anthropogenic and
environmental change? What factors influence this resilience, and how could we make marine ecosystems
more resilient?
How we wrecked the ocean: - The world is changing rapidly
- Shifting baselines
- Change is often not linear but sudden/fast
Dynamics of Marine systems: Time of change (Anthropocene), response of
marine systems to change, systematic approach, complex dynamics
Direct (social-)ecological interactions:
Biotic interactions: Intraspecies
Interspecies: Trophic (predation and herbivory), interference competition,
(aggression/chemical warfare), direct facilitation (substrate, shelter/housing)
Biotic-abiotic interactions
Humans-biota
Humans-abiotic conditions
Indirect interactions
Feedbacks
, Non-linear effects of change: Trophic cascades
Alternative stable states
Shifts and resilience
Regime shift: Relatively rapid change from one regime to a contrasting one
Some are difficult or impossible to reverse
Cause: Severe disturbance or permanent change in conditions
Gradually changing conditions of which internal dynamics may lead to accelerated
change (tipping point, difficult to reverse)
Ecological dynamics can be understood from a complex systems perspective. Mapping
the interactions between biotic and abiotic variables could lead to recognition of negative and
positive feedback mechanisms that may stabilize or destabilize the ecosystem. In the past decades, a lot of
research has focused on the questions: how resilient are marine ecosystems to anthropogenic and
environmental change? What factors influence this resilience, and how could we make marine ecosystems
more resilient?
How we wrecked the ocean: - The world is changing rapidly
- Shifting baselines
- Change is often not linear but sudden/fast
Dynamics of Marine systems: Time of change (Anthropocene), response of
marine systems to change, systematic approach, complex dynamics
Direct (social-)ecological interactions:
Biotic interactions: Intraspecies
Interspecies: Trophic (predation and herbivory), interference competition,
(aggression/chemical warfare), direct facilitation (substrate, shelter/housing)
Biotic-abiotic interactions
Humans-biota
Humans-abiotic conditions
Indirect interactions
Feedbacks
, Non-linear effects of change: Trophic cascades
Alternative stable states
Shifts and resilience
Regime shift: Relatively rapid change from one regime to a contrasting one
Some are difficult or impossible to reverse
Cause: Severe disturbance or permanent change in conditions
Gradually changing conditions of which internal dynamics may lead to accelerated
change (tipping point, difficult to reverse)
