What is indicated by the term 'tipping point' in a system?

The term 'tipping point' refers to a threshold in a system beyond which a relatively small change can lead to significant or even dramatic alterations in that system's state or behavior. This concept is especially relevant in ecological and biological contexts, where minor perturbations can trigger cascading effects, potentially resulting in the system's collapse or a shift to a new equilibrium.

For example, in climate change, the melting of polar ice can contribute to rising sea levels and disrupt ocean currents, which can then lead to further environmental changes. This highlights the critical nature of tipping points in understanding how systems respond to pressure or changes, reinforcing the significant implications that seemingly minor factors can have when they reach a certain limit.

The other choices represent different concepts. A stable state suggests no major changes, which is opposite to the idea of a tipping point. A point of equilibrium refers to stability in a system rather than a dramatic shift, and a gradual process implies a slow development rather than the abrupt changes associated with reaching a tipping point.