Legacy effects refer to the long-lasting impacts or influences of past events, actions, or conditions on current or future systems or processes. In research, legacy effects can be studied in various fields such as ecology, environmental science, economics, sociology, and public health. These effects can result from a variety of factors including historical events, policy decisions, environmental changes, and social dynamics. Understanding legacy effects is important for predicting and managing outcomes in complex systems and for developing more effective strategies for sustainable development and decision-making.