An ecosystem may be less resilient to environmental changes and more susceptible to disease or invasive species.

Reduced access to clean water, food shortages, increased climate instability, and loss of cultural and recreational opportunities.

Destruction of existing vegetation, alteration of soil composition, and potential for long-term climate change.

Species may be forced to migrate, adapt, or face extinction if their tolerance limits are exceeded.

Disturbance, colonization by pioneer species, development of intermediate species, establishment of climax community.

Begins with bare rock, pioneer species (lichens) break down rock, soil formation, small plants, larger plants, eventually a forest.

Begins with existing soil, seeds germinate, grasses and shrubs grow, fast-growing trees, eventually a forest.

Ecosystems are less resilient and more vulnerable to disturbances because a few dominant species control resources.

Populations are more susceptible to diseases and environmental changes, increasing the risk of extinction.

Loss of clean water, decreased pollination, increased climate instability, reduced food production, and overall decline in human well-being.

They can change ecosystems, sometimes drastically, by destroying habitats, altering nutrient cycles, and causing shifts in species composition.