ecological threshold

An ecological threshold is a point at which a small change in an environmental factor causes a significant and sometimes irreversible shift in an ecosystem’s structure or function. Think of it like a tipping point; for example, a lake remaining clear until pollution exceeds a certain level, after which it suddenly becomes murky and algae-filled. Recognizing these thresholds is important for preventing environmental damage, as crossing them can lead to loss of biodiversity and ecosystem health. Essentially, thresholds mark the limits of an ecosystem's resilience to change.