Ecologists test stability of Maine ecosystem over 2 decades

The video explores a long-term ecological study on Swans Island, led by ecologist Peter Petraeus. The team investigates the stability of rocky intertidal ecosystems and the potential for abrupt community switches due to environmental changes. They document the effects of invasive species, like green crabs, on mussel beds and rockweed stands. The study highlights the challenges of predicting future ecosystem states and emphasizes the constant nature of change in the natural world.

What is the main research question that the team is investigating regarding the ecosystem on Swans Island?

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How do powerful winter storms affect the ecosystem on Swans Island?

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What evidence suggests that the past is not a good predictor for the future in this ecosystem?

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What role do invasive green crabs play in the changes observed in the muscle beds?

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According to Petraeus, what should we reconsider about the resilience of the natural world?

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