Novelty in Ecosystems

The Anthropocene is characterized by rapid anthropogenic environmental change, yet rapid environmental change and ecological responses to change are not unique to the present epoch. All ecosystems, past and present, have been subject to rapid environmental change resulting in novel ecosystems. These novel ecosystems facilitate novel evolutionary adaptations and self-organize as they mature via unique paths of succession. Thus, novel ecosystems of the Anthropocene present opportunities for novel evolutionary and ecological trajectories. From a conservation perspective, it is important to consider the resilience of novel ecosystems and appreciate the role that adaptation and self-organization play in species persistence.