Ecosystems have multiple interacting processes that buffer against co-occurring stressors

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Ecosystem Dynamics

Background:

• Anthropogenic stressors impact ecosystem properties and functions.
• Single buffering processes (e.g., biodiversity, adaptation) are known to mitigate stressor effects.
• The combined effects of multiple buffering processes on ecosystem resilience are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how multiple buffering processes interact to mitigate multiple co-occurring stressors.
• To enhance understanding of ecosystem stability in the face of environmental change.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and conceptual synthesis.
• Analysis of single and multiple buffering processes.
• Examination of ecological and temporal scales of buffering.

Main Results:

• Single processes like cross-tolerance can buffer multiple stressors.
• Multiple buffering processes can act jointly across scales.
• Synergistic interactions between buffering processes enhance ecosystem resistance.

Conclusions:

• Interactions among buffering processes are crucial for ecosystem stability.
• A comprehensive understanding of interacting buffering mechanisms is needed.
• This knowledge is vital for predicting ecosystem responses to global change.