Use of the Alternative Stable States Concept in Tropical Terrestrial Ecosystem Research—A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Global changes can impact ecosystem resilience, leading to abrupt and irreversible shifts in structure and function. In the face of increasing anthropogenic disturbances, understanding mechanisms that destabilize ecosystems and push them into alternative stable states is crucial. We conducted a systematic review of the application of concepts from dynamic systems theory—alternative stable states, tipping points, hysteresis, and alternative pathways—in tropical terrestrial ecosystem research. We identified 135 articles (71 observational, 59 theoretical/modeling, four experimental, one meta-analysis) using these concepts, addressing ecosystem changes due to anthropogenic and natural disturbances. Most articles focused on conservation biology (46%), followed by climate change (31%), successional ecology (28%), ecological restoration (16%), physiology (15%), novel ecosystems (3%), and biological invasion (3%). Fire was the primary disturbance driving shifts into alternative stable states (54%). Disturbance roles varied across biomes. Numerous articles on tropical and subtropical broadleaf forests highlighted biodiversity and ecosystem service losses due to disturbances. Conversely, studies on tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and shrublands emphasized fires and herbivory as key factors in the maintenance of the structure and composition of savannas. The high number of articles on these biomes underscores their importance. The review highlights that considering alternative stable states in the responses of ecosystems to global changes can enhance disturbance mitigation and ecological restoration, potentially averting future biodiversity and ecosystem service losses. Addressing ecosystem responses to global changes from this perspective can enable more effective disturbance mitigation and ecological restoration actions.