Characterizing Novel Ecosystems: Challenges for Measurement

This chapter starts with stating three essential features of novel ecosystems that distinguish them from unaltered or hybrid systems: (1) difference in ecosystem composition, structure or function; (2) thresholds in these attributes that are currently irreversible; and (3) persistence or self-organization. It explores how the challenges of measuring differences and novelty are non-trivial and measurement approaches are a work in progress. The chapter also describes selected variables for measuring and understanding relative novelty of ecosystem states. Mesoecological and macroecological measures presented in this chapter represent jumping-off point for understanding drivers of novelty and metrics. It finally presents a discussion on identifying thresholds in ecosystem composition, structure and function.