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In this module we will be talking about ecosystem dynamics, how ecosystems change over time. We identify two qualitatively different patterns of development, linear and nonlinear. We talk about negative feedback loops as the basic mechanism through which biological creatures and whole ecosystems regulate themselves in order to achieve some condition conducive to their stable functioning. We will discuss the classical ecological theory of succession as a linear process of development, seen to lead to a climax community at a stable equilibrium state. We then go on to discuss positive feedback loops as broken negative feedback that leads to a nonlinear process of development, where the system can be said to be out of control resulting in disturbance and possible collapse. By then combining these two patterns of development we look at a model called punctuated equilibrium; where the ecosystem follows both long-term incremental linear development and rapid nonlinear punctuations.

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