Ecosystem Collapse
Rapid, often irreversible shift from one ecosystem state to a degraded state with reduced biodiversity and function.
Real World
The Aral Sea in Central Asia lost 90% of its water volume by 2010 due to Soviet-era irrigation diversions, causing fisheries collapse, toxic dust storms, and a shift from thriving aquatic ecosystem to barren salt flats that has proven largely irreversible.
Exam Focus
Use the term 'tipping point' and explain why collapse is irreversible — examiners expect reference to positive feedback loops.
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