Internal factors not only control ecosystem processes but are also controlled by them and are often subject to feedback loops.

These principles provide managers an increased understanding of ecosystem processes and the ability to predict outcomes in a variety of situations.

The ocean area to be managed must be clearly defined, ideally at the ecosystem level - certainly being large enough to incorporate relevant ecosystem processes.

Topography also controls ecosystem processes by affecting things like microclimate, soil development and the movement of water through a system.

Unlike external factors, internal factors in ecosystems not only control ecosystem processes, but are also controlled by them.

This means that the plant will "not affect ecosystem processes, but may alter plant community composition by outcompeting one or more native plant species".

Functional diversity and composition simultaneously influence ecosystem processes.

"To many ecologists, natural disturbances are key ecosystem processes rather than ecological disasters that require human repair," they wrote.

By themselves, all three factors significantly affected ecosystem processes and also influenced each other.

Regulating services: "benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes"