A new understanding of ecosystems, as complex systems, is emerging. Their hierarchical nature requires that they be studied from different types of perspectives and at different scales of examination. Thus a diversity of perspectives is required for understanding.
Ecosystems are self-organizing.
Their dynamics are largely a function of feedback loops. This precludes linear causal mechanical explanations of ecosystem dynamics. Emergence and surprise are normal phenomena in systems dominated by feedback loops. Inherent uncertainty and limited predictability are inescapable consequences of these system phenomena. Such systems organize about attractors.