Holling (C.S.)

C.S. Holling developed the concept of the “adaptive cycle” to describe how ecosystems and other complex systems fluctuate over time. It highlights that systems undergo phases of growth, accumulation, release or crisis, and reorganization. During the growth phase, resources build up; a crisis can then cause a collapse, followed by a phase of renewal and innovation. This cycle helps explain resilience, showing how systems can absorb disturbances and adapt, rather than just decline. Holling’s work emphasizes that variability and change are natural parts of system dynamics, and understanding these cycles is vital for managing and conserving ecosystems sustainably.