 Determining
ecological relevance in specific cases requires professional
judgment using the three criteria and based on site-specific
information, preliminary surveys, or other available information.
Ecological relevance is linked to:
- Nature and intensity of effects.
- Spatial and temporal scales of effects.
- Potential for recovery.
- Level of organization potentially affected.
- The entity's role in the ecosystem.
For example, if a change in a particular ecological entity could
cause multiple or widespread effects, that entity might be part
of a more valuable (relevant) endpoint. This entity could be helpful
in identifying the potential cascade of adverse effects the endpoint
could involve. Try the Activity below and read the In-Depth note
to expand upon the importance of ecological relevance.
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Ecologically Relevant
Endpoints
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Cascading Effects
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