Compounded perturbations, such as multiple disturbances occurring within the recovery time of a community, can lead to significant ecological changes, or "ecological surprises," that are not typically observed from single disturbances. This study explores how both physical and biological disturbances, including storms, volcanic eruptions, forest fires, overharvesting, invasion, and disease, interact and compound to alter community states. The research emphasizes that the recovery of ecosystems is often influenced by the dispersal ability and generation time of species, and that anthropogenic impacts are increasing the likelihood of compounded disturbances. The paper discusses various scenarios where compounded disturbances have led to ecological surprises, such as the 1982–83 El Niño event affecting kelp forests, the invasion of the Asian clam in San Francisco Bay, and the impact of wildfires and logging on boreal forests. These examples illustrate how multiple disturbances can lead to long-term changes in community structure and function. The study also highlights the role of climate change in exacerbating these disturbances, leading to more frequent and severe ecological surprises. The research underscores the importance of understanding compounded disturbances for effective environmental management in the 21st century. It argues that as human impacts on natural systems increase, the frequency and severity of ecological surprises will also rise, necessitating a shift in ecological focus from typical recovery patterns to the more complex and unpredictable outcomes of compounded disturbances. The study concludes that recognizing and managing these compounded disturbances is crucial for predicting and mitigating ecological changes in the face of global environmental challenges.Compounded perturbations, such as multiple disturbances occurring within the recovery time of a community, can lead to significant ecological changes, or "ecological surprises," that are not typically observed from single disturbances. This study explores how both physical and biological disturbances, including storms, volcanic eruptions, forest fires, overharvesting, invasion, and disease, interact and compound to alter community states. The research emphasizes that the recovery of ecosystems is often influenced by the dispersal ability and generation time of species, and that anthropogenic impacts are increasing the likelihood of compounded disturbances. The paper discusses various scenarios where compounded disturbances have led to ecological surprises, such as the 1982–83 El Niño event affecting kelp forests, the invasion of the Asian clam in San Francisco Bay, and the impact of wildfires and logging on boreal forests. These examples illustrate how multiple disturbances can lead to long-term changes in community structure and function. The study also highlights the role of climate change in exacerbating these disturbances, leading to more frequent and severe ecological surprises. The research underscores the importance of understanding compounded disturbances for effective environmental management in the 21st century. It argues that as human impacts on natural systems increase, the frequency and severity of ecological surprises will also rise, necessitating a shift in ecological focus from typical recovery patterns to the more complex and unpredictable outcomes of compounded disturbances. The study concludes that recognizing and managing these compounded disturbances is crucial for predicting and mitigating ecological changes in the face of global environmental challenges.