Fundamentals of Ecological Modelling

Series Editors

Author Biography

Dedication

Preface

1: Introduction

1.1. Physical and Mathematical Models

1.2. Models as a Management Tool

1.3. Models as a Research Tool

1.4. Models and Holism

1.5. The Ecosystem as an Object for Research

1.6. The Development of Ecological and Environmental Models

1.7. State of the Art in the Application of Models

2: Concepts of Modelling

2.1. Introduction

2.2. Modelling Elements

2.3. The Modelling Procedure

2.4. Verification

2.5. Sensitivity Analysis

2.6. Calibration

2.7. Validation and Assessment of the Model Uncertainty

2.8. Model Classes

2.9. Selection of Model Complexity and Structure

2.10. Parameter Estimation

2.11. Ecological Modelling and Quantum Theory

2.12. Modelling Constraints

Problems

3: An Overview of Different Model Types

3.1. Introduction

3.2. Model Types — An Overview

3.3. Conceptual Models

3.4. Advantages and Disadvantages of the Most Applied Model Types

3.5. Applicability of the Different Model Types

4: Mediated or Institutionalized Modelling

4.1. Introduction: Why Do We Need Mediated Modelling?

4.2. The Institutionalized Modelling Process

4.3. When Do You Apply Institutionalized or Mediated Modelling (IMM)?

Problems

5: Modelling Population Dynamics

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Basic Concepts

5.3. Growth Models in Population Dynamics

Illustration 5.1

5.4. Interaction Between Populations

Illustration 5.2

Illustration 5.3

5.5. Matrix Models

Illustration 5.4

5.6. Fishery Models

5.7. Metapopulation Models

5.8. Infection Models

Problems

6: Steady-State Models

6.1. Introduction

6.2. A Chemostat Model to Illustrate a Steady-State Biogeochemical Model

Illustration 6.1

6.3. Ecopath Models

6.4. Ecological Network Analysis

Problems

7: Dynamic Biogeochemical Models

7.1. Introduction

7.2. Application of Biogeochemical Dynamic Models

7.3. The Streeter-Phelps River BOD/DO Model, Using STELLA

7.4. Eutrophication Models I: Simple Eutrophication Models with 2–4 State Variables

7.5. Eutrophication Models II: A Complex Eutrophication Model

7.6. Model of Subsurface Wetland

7.7. Global Warming Model

Problems

Appendix 1

8: Ecotoxicological Models

8.1. Classification and Application of Ecotoxicological Models

8.2. Environmental Risk Assessment

8.3. Characteristics and Structure of Ecotoxicological Models

8.4. An Overview: The Application of Models in Ecotoxicology

8.5. Estimation of Ecotoxicological Parameters

8.6. Ecotoxicological Case Study I: Modelling the Distribution of Chromium in a Danish Fjord

8.7. Ecotoxicological Case Study II: Contamination of Agricultural Products by Cadmium and Lead

8.8. Fugacity Fate Models

Illustration 8.1

Illustration 8.2

9: Individual-Based Models

9.1. History of Individual-Based Models

9.2. Designing Individual-Based Models

9.3. Emergent versus Imposed Behaviors

9.4. Orientors

9.5. Implementing Individual-Based Models

9.6. Pattern-Oriented Modelling

9.7. Individual-Based Models for Parameterizing Models

9.8. Individual-Based Models and Spatial Models

9.9. Example

9.10. Conclusions

Problems

10: Structurally Dynamic Models

10.1. Introduction

10.2. Ecosystem Characteristics

10.3. How to Construct Structurally Dynamic Models and Definitions of Exergy and Eco-exergy

10.4. Development of Structurally Dynamic Model for Darwin’s Finches

10.5. Biomanipulation

10.6. An Ecotoxicological Structurally Dynamic Models Example

Problems

11: Spatial Modelling

11.1. Introduction

11.2. Spatial Ecological Models: The Early Days

11.3. Spatial Ecological Models: State-of-the-Art

Problems

References

Index