Definition for Rivet hypothesis
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Revision as of 20:18, 27 January 2011 by Duddy (Talk | contribs) (Created page with "An alternative to the diversity-stability hypothesis. In this model, species are like the rivets on an airplane, with each species playing a small but critical role in keeping th...")
An alternative to the diversity-stability hypothesis. In this model, species are like the rivets on an airplane, with each species playing a small but critical role in keeping the plane (the ecosystem) airborne. The loss of a rivet weakens the plane and causes it to lose a little airworthiness. The loss of a few rivets could probably be tolerated, while the loss of more rivets would prove critical to the airplane's function.