Positive feedback loops in ecology are significant because they amplify changes within ecosystems. Unlike negative feedback systems, which stabilize conditions, positive feedback can lead to rapid shifts in ecological dynamics. For example, in the case of climate change, melting ice reduces the Earth's albedo, leading to more solar absorption and further warming. This creates a cycle that makes it difficult to restore original conditions. Understanding positive feedback mechanisms is crucial for assessing how ecosystems respond to environmental changes and for developing strategies to mitigate potential crises.