Data from: Mechanisms of resilience: empirically quantified positive feedbacks produce alternate stable states dynamics in a model of a tropical reef

1. Alternate stable states (ASS) theory is a dominant conceptual framework for understanding processes that support resilience of ecological communities in the face of multiple anthropogenic disturbances. For decades, coral reefs have been cited as a classic example of ASS, yet this position remains highly controversial, largely because convincing empirical evaluations have been elusive. 2. Using a combination of empirical measurements of positive feedback processes and simulation modeling, we assessed ASS in coral reefs of the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) by identifying the potential for multiple basins of attraction from a mechanistic perspective. 3. Using bioassays of algal growth and consumption we quantified two spatially-localised positive feedback mechanisms on coral reefs: increasing herbivore activity associated with higher coral abundances and amelioration of nutrient limitation leading to higher algal growth in areas with higher algal abundance. 4. Analysis of a model of benthic community dynamics incorporating these feedbacks showed they were central to producing hysteresis and bistability in the model, two hallmarks of ASS. Further, reefs simulated with conditions matching those measured at Isla Contadora, Panamá displayed ASS dynamics while producing spatial patterns matching field observations. This provides model-derived support, based on empirically measured conditions of ETP reefs, for the presence of ASS. 5. Synthesis. The combination of experimental bioassays to measure feedback strengths and simulation models to evaluate the influence of those feedbacks provides a novel, non-destructive approach to evaluating ASS dynamics that can be applied in threatened ecosystems where classic approaches are not viable.1. 交替稳定态（Alternate Stable States，ASS）理论是理解生态群落在多重人为干扰下维持恢复力的核心概念框架。数十年来，珊瑚礁一直被视作ASS的经典范例，但该观点仍极具争议，其核心原因在于始终缺乏令人信服的实证评估。 2. 本研究结合正反馈过程的实证测量与模拟建模，从机制视角识别多吸引域的潜在可能，以此评估东热带太平洋（Eastern Tropical Pacific，ETP）珊瑚礁的ASS特征。 3. 通过藻类生长与摄食的生物测定法，我们量化了珊瑚礁上两种空间局域化的正反馈机制：其一为珊瑚丰度升高伴随的草食动物活动增强，其二为养分限制得到缓解后，藻类丰度更高的区域藻类生长速率提升。 4. 纳入上述反馈机制的底栖群落动态模型分析显示，这些反馈是模型中产生滞后效应与双稳态的核心驱动因素，而二者均为ASS的标志性特征。进一步模拟结果表明，匹配巴拿马孔塔多拉岛实地观测条件的珊瑚礁群落呈现出ASS动态，且其空间格局与野外观测结果一致。本研究基于东热带太平洋珊瑚礁的实测条件，通过模型推导为ASS的存在提供了实证佐证。 5. 综合分析。本研究将测量反馈强度的实验生物测定法与评估反馈影响的模拟建模相结合，提出了一种新颖的非破坏性ASS动态评估方法，该方法可应用于传统评估手段难以实施的受威胁生态系统。