Redwood Forest

Used to illustrate the distinction between resistance and resilience as forms of ecological stability. A redwood forest resists storm damage because its massive trees are deeply rooted and structurally reinforced (high resistance). However, if damaged, it takes centuries to recover (low resilience). This contrasts with grasslands, which show little resistance (every storm flattens vegetation) but high resilience (regrows within weeks). The most stable ecosystems combine multiple forms of stability through different mechanisms.