Final answer:
The term for an ecosystem's ability to recover its equilibrium after a disturbance is 'ecological resilience'. The correct answer is option b).
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability of an ecosystem to return to its equilibrium state after an environmental disturbance is called ecological resilience. An ecosystem's equilibrium is the steady state where all organisms are in balance with their environment and each other.
Disturbances can temporarily disrupt this balance, but ecosystems with high resilience can quickly return to their state of equilibrium. It refers to the speed at which an ecosystem recovers equilibrium after being disturbed and its ability to remain at equilibrium in spite of disturbances
Resistance, on the other hand, refers to the ability of an ecosystem to remain at equilibrium despite disturbances. Both resistance and resilience are crucial in understanding the ecosystem's response to changes, particularly when considering the impact of human activities. If an ecosystem's resilience is diminished significantly, it can lead to irreversible changes or even its destruction.