Ecosystem dynamics at different time scales

Two major features of the terrestrial ecosystems have been dealt with so far, structure and function. A third major feature is dynamics, development and changes over time, and also the reaction of the ecosystems to perturbations – natural or man-made. It is a question of the stability of ecosystems and their ability to accommodate changes. Changes occur on different temporal and spatial scales. There are changes at the global scale, which have occurred since the Earth's early history, as well as those occurring in recent times. The very early history of the Earth has a flavour of ‘science fiction’ and today we have the issue of ‘climate change’, which is experienced as dramatic and to some extent uncertain.