A critique of the ‘novel ecosystem’ concept

Authors:
Murcia, C.M., J. Aronson, G.H. Kattan, D. Moreno-Mateos, K. Dixon and D. Simberloff

Publication Date:
2014

Abstract/Summary:
The ‘novel ecosystem’ concept has captured the attention of scientists, managers and science journalists, and more recently of policymakers, before it has been subjected to the scrutiny and empirical validation inherent to science. Lack of rigorous scrutiny can lead to undesirable outcomes in ecosystem management, environmental law and policy. Contrary to the contentions of its proponents, no explicit, irreversible ecological thresholds allow distinctions between ‘novel ecosystems’ and ‘hybrid’ or ‘historic’ ones.

Resource Type:
Peer-reviewed Article

Source:
Trends in Ecology and Evolution

Link:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264463092_A_critique_of_the_'novel_ecosystem'_concept