IS IT TIME TO BURY THE ECOSYSTEM CONCEPT? (WITH FULL MILITARY HONORS, OF COURSE!)1

2001/12/01 by Robert V. O’Neill · 1 citation
Environmental Science · #Sustainability and Ecological Systems Analysis #Ecosystem dynamics and resilience #Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies

paper · doi:10.1890/0012-9658(2001)082[3275:iittbt]2.0.co;2

openalex publication_date 2001/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/03/24

Abstract

The ecosystem concept has become a standard paradigm for studying ecological systems. Underlying the ecosystem concept is a “machine analogy” derived from Systems Analysis. This analogy is difficult to reconcile with our current understanding of ecological systems as metastable adaptive systems that may operate far from equilibrium. This paper discusses some logical and scientific problems associated with the ecosystem concept, and suggests a number of modifications in the paradigm to address these problems.

Citations

• Ecosystem Alteation of Boreal Forest Streams by Beaver (Castor Canadensis)
• The Use and Abuse of Vegetational Concepts and Terms
• Resilience and Stability of Ecological Systems
• NONPOINT POLLUTION OF SURFACE WATERS WITH PHOSPHORUS AND NITROGEN
• Experimental studies on predation: Dispersion factors and predator-prey oscillations

Cited by

• Ecology [wikipedia]