Self-Organized Patchiness and Catastrophic Shifts in Ecosystems

M. Rietkerk, S.C. Dekker, P.C. de Ruiter, J. van de Koppel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

1123 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Unexpected sudden catastrophic shifts may occur in ecosystems, with concomitant losses or gains of ecological and economic resources. Such shifts have been theoretically attributed to positive feedback and bistability of ecosystem states. However, verifications and predictive power with respect to catastrophic responses to a changing environment are lacking for spatially extensive ecosystems. This situation impedes management and recovery strategies for such ecosystems. Here, we review recent studies on various ecosystems that link self-organized patchiness to catastrophic shifts between ecosystem states.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1926-1929
JournalScience
Volume305
Issue number5692
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004

Keywords

  • semiarid grazing systems
  • vegetation patterns
  • turing patterns
  • bistability
  • peatlands
  • nutrients
  • lakes
  • soil

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