1.3.3 Systems Ecology
The field of systems ecology developed a way to use computers to address
the complexity inherent in ecosystems. The technique also allowed for
mathematical representation of the flow of nutrients, water, and energy,
which were recognized to be a part of natural systems as the concept of
ecosystems began to take hold (Odum 1983). Systems ecology recognizes
the interconnectedness of ecology, and putting the ecological paradigm into
a computer model allows for quantification of these connections. Feedbacks
and lags can be considered. Both linear and nonlinear relationships can be
modeled. Thus, a systems perspective provides for a more holistic analysis
of ecological systems.
With the expansion of computing, there has been an explosion in
the development and use of ecological models. Today, computers are available to many resource managers and decision makers, and many types
of mathematical models contribute to understanding of environmental
management issues. Models are often available to describe ecological interactions or to assess the implications of resource use. Yet deficiencies still
persist in the use by managers of mathematical models to understand or
to project ecological interactions and effects of resource use. Simply put,
ecological models are not used as often as they could be. This book explores
why this is the case and seeks to remedy the situation.
1.4 Using Model Projections for Environmental
Decision Making
This book focuses on ecological models that are useful for environmental
managers, models that are concerned with the ecological aspects of the
values mentioned above. The models provide a way for managers to make
decisions about resources while incorporating an ecological perspective.
Models help to organize and track information in a way that would not be
possible otherwise.
Mathematical models are particularly useful in cases where field or
laboratory data are not available, complete, appropriate, or directly applicable to the decision being made. In these cases, results from models often
provide a valuable perspective on alternative decisions. Such model results
may be needed to complement existing information or to relate extant data
to conditions at hand. However, even when extensive data are available,
the complexity of the situation may require a model for interpreting interactions or expanding results to larger spatial scales, longer time scales, or
higher levels of biological organization.
Effectively used, model results do not so much mimic data from the real
world as reveal our current understanding of the environment (Dale and
Van Winkle 1998). They can provide information regarding what the real
12
Virginia H. Dale
The field of systems ecology developed a way to use computers to address
the complexity inherent in ecosystems. The technique also allowed for
mathematical representation of the flow of nutrients, water, and energy,
which were recognized to be a part of natural systems as the concept of
ecosystems began to take hold (Odum 1983). Systems ecology recognizes
the interconnectedness of ecology, and putting the ecological paradigm into
a computer model allows for quantification of these connections. Feedbacks
and lags can be considered. Both linear and nonlinear relationships can be
modeled. Thus, a systems perspective provides for a more holistic analysis
of ecological systems.
With the expansion of computing, there has been an explosion in
the development and use of ecological models. Today, computers are available to many resource managers and decision makers, and many types
of mathematical models contribute to understanding of environmental
management issues. Models are often available to describe ecological interactions or to assess the implications of resource use. Yet deficiencies still
persist in the use by managers of mathematical models to understand or
to project ecological interactions and effects of resource use. Simply put,
ecological models are not used as often as they could be. This book explores
why this is the case and seeks to remedy the situation.
1.4 Using Model Projections for Environmental
Decision Making
This book focuses on ecological models that are useful for environmental
managers, models that are concerned with the ecological aspects of the
values mentioned above. The models provide a way for managers to make
decisions about resources while incorporating an ecological perspective.
Models help to organize and track information in a way that would not be
possible otherwise.
Mathematical models are particularly useful in cases where field or
laboratory data are not available, complete, appropriate, or directly applicable to the decision being made. In these cases, results from models often
provide a valuable perspective on alternative decisions. Such model results
may be needed to complement existing information or to relate extant data
to conditions at hand. However, even when extensive data are available,
the complexity of the situation may require a model for interpreting interactions or expanding results to larger spatial scales, longer time scales, or
higher levels of biological organization.
Effectively used, model results do not so much mimic data from the real
world as reveal our current understanding of the environment (Dale and
Van Winkle 1998). They can provide information regarding what the real
12
Virginia H. Dale