Ecology

Disturbance Adaptation

Traits that enable organisms to survive, tolerate, or exploit periodic environmental disruptions like fire, floods, storms, or grazing.

Biological Context

Fire-adapted trees have thick bark or serotinous cones that open after fire. Flood-adapted plants can survive submersion or quickly recolonize. Some species require disturbance for regeneration. Disturbance-adapted species often outcompete others in frequently disturbed environments.

Business Application

Organizations adapted to market disturbances survive industry upheavals. Traits include flexible cost structures, diversified capabilities, and cultures comfortable with change.

Related Terms

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ecologyadaptationdisturbance