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Approaching a state shift in Earth's biosphere.

Authors :
Barnosky, Anthony D.
Hadly, Elizabeth A.
Bascompte, Jordi
Berlow, Eric L.
Brown, James H.
Fortelius, Mikael
Getz, Wayne M.
Harte, John
Hastings, Alan
Marquet, Pablo A.
Martinez, Neo D.
Mooers, Arne
Roopnarine, Peter
Vermeij, Geerat
Williams, John W.
Gillespie, Rosemary
Kitzes, Justin
Marshall, Charles
Matzke, Nicholas
Mindell, David P.
Source :
Nature; 6/7/2012, Vol. 486 Issue 7401, p52-58, 7p, 1 Color Photograph, 1 Graph
Publication Year :
2012

Abstract

Localized ecological systems are known to shift abruptly and irreversibly from one state to another when they are forced across critical thresholds. Here we review evidence that the global ecosystem as a whole can react in the same way and is approaching a planetary-scale critical transition as a result of human influence. The plausibility of a planetary-scale 'tipping point' highlights the need to improve biological forecasting by detecting early warning signs of critical transitions on global as well as local scales, and by detecting feedbacks that promote such transitions. It is also necessary to address root causes of how humans are forcing biological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00280836
Volume :
486
Issue :
7401
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Nature
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
76402976
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038/nature11018