Which concept describes the ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances?

The concept that describes the ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances is ecological resilience. This term specifically refers to the capacity of an ecosystem to absorb shocks, reorganize, and restore itself after physical, biological, or chemical disruptions. Ecological resilience emphasizes how well an ecosystem can return to its original state or adapt to new conditions following such disturbances, which may include events like natural disasters, invasive species introductions, or changes in climate.

In contrast, ecosystem stability refers to the overall ability of an ecosystem to maintain its structure and function over time, which is related but not synonymous with resilience. Environmental sustainability deals with the responsible management of resources to ensure the health of the environment for future generations, rather than the recovery process itself. Ecological succession describes the gradual changes in species composition and community structure in an area over time, particularly after a disturbance, but it does not directly address the immediate recovery capability of the ecosystem. Thus, ecological resilience is the most accurate term for the described ability to recover from disturbances.