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System equilibrium behavior: Merging multiple positive feedbacks
  • Ning Chen,
  • Chang-ming Zhao
Ning Chen
Lanzhou University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Chang-ming Zhao
Lanzhou University
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Abstract

Ecosystems can exhibit rich equilibrium behaviors, including alternative stable states (ASS), for which ecosystems dramatically differ in structure and functions. Therefore, it is critical to understand system equilibrium behavior. Positive feedback has been recognized as a critical process to induce ASS. However, it is largely unclear whether and to which extent increasing number of positive feedbacks will be easier to produce ASS. Using a generalized Lotka-Volterra model and two functional forms of positive feedback, this study found that positive feedback was largely necessary to produce ASS, and more positive feedbacks generally more likely produced ASS. However, above results depended on the functional form of positive feedback and interaction types. This work can help predict ecosystem dynamics under global change and intensified anthropogenic activities, both which may activate previously “dormant” positive feedbacks and make this issue more visible and important.