Sistration is an important concept in the study of environmental and ecological sciences. It is defined as the process of changing the structure and/or function of an ecosystem through natural or human-induced alteration. The term was first coined by American ecologist Eugene Odum (Odum, 1969).
Sistration has many environmental implications, as it can lead to changes in the biodiversity and dynamics of an ecosystem. Furthermore, sistration can have a significant effect on the physical and chemical properties of the environment, such as water quality. As a result, it can have an impact on the production of food and other resources, as well as on human health.
Sistration can occur through a variety of natural or human-induced processes, such as climate change, land-use change, pollution, and exploitation of natural resources. Each of these processes can lead to changes in the structure and functioning of an ecosystem. For instance, climate change can lead to changes in temperature, precipitation, and other environmental factors, which can affect the abundance and distribution of species. Similarly, land-use change can lead to changes in the availability of habitat, resources, and species interactions.
Sistration also has implications for human health. For example, changes in the structure and functioning of an ecosystem can lead to changes in the availability of food and other resources, which can have an impact on human nutrition and health. Additionally, changes in the environment can lead to changes in air and water quality, affecting human health and well-being.
In conclusion, sistration is a complex phenomenon that has significant effects on the environment and human health. It is important to understand the processes that drive sistration in order to mitigate its negative impacts and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources.
References
Odum, E. P. (1969). The strategy of ecosystem development. Science, 164(3877), 262-270.