Core Insights - The research published in the journal "Science" reveals the interaction between drought intensity and duration, providing critical insights into the ecological impacts of extreme droughts [1][2] - This study marks a significant achievement for Beijing Forestry University, being its first publication in "Science" in 73 years [1] Research Methodology - The study utilized a global-scale research platform involving 177 researchers from 126 institutions across 28 countries, covering 74 grassland and shrubland ecosystems on six continents [1] - A standardized drought treatment experiment was conducted, simulating continuous drought conditions for 3 to 4 years, overcoming traditional regional limitations in drought research [1] Key Findings - Ecosystems exhibit a critical transition characteristic of "adaptation-collapse" in response to drought [1] - Under normal drought conditions, grassland and shrubland ecosystems show some adaptive capacity, but this capacity is completely lost under extreme drought conditions, defined as a once-in-a-century event [1] - The productivity loss due to four consecutive years of extreme drought increased approximately 2.5 times compared to the first year [1] Scientific and Practical Implications - The findings break the long-standing limitation of considering drought intensity and duration independently, addressing the core scientific question of how extreme drought drives changes in ecosystem functions [2] - The research provides essential parameters for developing future terrestrial ecosystem response models under climate change and offers precise scientific evidence for policy-making in areas such as grassland management, carbon sink assessment, and drought disaster prevention [2]