Explain the concept of functional stability in ecological systems.

Philosophy Functionalism Questions



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Explain the concept of functional stability in ecological systems.

Functional stability in ecological systems refers to the ability of an ecosystem to maintain its structure and function despite external disturbances or changes. It is the capacity of an ecosystem to resist or recover from disturbances and maintain its overall functioning and productivity. Functional stability is achieved through various mechanisms such as biodiversity, redundancy, and resilience. Biodiversity ensures that multiple species perform similar functions, allowing for compensation and adaptation in case of disturbances. Redundancy refers to the presence of multiple species or functional groups that perform similar roles, providing backup options if one group is affected. Resilience is the ability of an ecosystem to bounce back and recover from disturbances, maintaining its overall functioning. Functional stability is crucial for the long-term sustainability and health of ecological systems.