Systems Analysis and Simulation in Ecology

Volume 1

1st Edition - January 28, 1971
Editor: Bernard C. Patten
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 1 - 4 8 3 2 - 4 4 6 1 - 7
Hardback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 5 4 7 2 0 1 - 2
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 1 - 4 8 3 2 - 7 7 5 1 - 6

Systems Analysis and Simulation in Ecology, Volume I, is a book of ecology in transition from a ""soft"" science, synecology, to a ""hard"" science, systems ecology. It is an… Read more

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Systems Analysis and Simulation in Ecology, Volume I, is a book of ecology in transition from a ""soft"" science, synecology, to a ""hard"" science, systems ecology. It is an enthusiastic and optimistic statement about the fundamental adaptability of the scientific mechanism to newly appreciated truths of existence. It documents, in ecological science, a move away from the explanatory or cognitive criterion toward the predictive criterion, a hard one with the potential of leading ultimately to optimal design and control of ecosystems. The book is organized into three parts. Part I is an overview of some of the methods and rationales for ecological systems modeling for the purposes of simulation and systems analysis. It provides an elementary introduction to the use of analog and digital computers for simulation and a rationale for ecological model-building. Part II illustrates three different approaches to population modeling. These include a mathematical analysis of microbial (Chlorella, Selenastrum) dynamics in both continuous and batch cultures; and a bioenergetics study of the terrestrial isopod Armadillidium, utilizing concepts from control theory and the transfer function technique of classical dynamic analysis. Part III brings together a group of papers describing various aspects and philosophies of ecological simulation. These include common problems in ecosystem simulation and the question whether or not some of the newer methods of systems ecology might not be used in connection with some of the older data and observations of traditional synecology.

List of Contributors

Preface

Part I Introduction To Modeling

1. A Primer for Ecological Modeling and Simulation with Analog and Digital Computers

I. Dynamic Modeling of Ecological Systems

II. Elements of Analog Computation

III. Population and Ecosystem Models

IV. Analog Computer Programming

V. Introduction to Digital Computers

VI. Digital Computer Programming with Fortran IV

VII. Digital Simulation

VIII. Answers to Exercises

Appendix A. Matexp Program Listing

Appendix B. Selected Bibliography

References

2. A Rationale for Modeling Dynamic Ecological Systems

I. Mathematical Models

II. Formulation of Models of Dynamic Ecological Systems

III. Analysis of Models of Dynamic Ecological Systems

References

Part II One-Species Models

3. Dynamics of Microbial Populations

I. Introduction

II. Experimental Studies on Algal Populations

III. The Model for Extensive Properties

IV. The Model for Intensive Properties

V. General Summary

References

4. Of Sowbugs and Systems: The Ecological Bioenergetics of a Terrestrial Isopod

I. Introduction

II. Systems Analysis and Model Building

III. Models of Energy Regulation and Growth in Animals

IV. Generalized Bioenergetics Model

V. An Improbable Linear Bioenergetics Model

VI. Another Improbable Linear Bioenergetics Model

VII. Toward a More Realistic Nonlinear Bioenergetics Model

References

5. Computer Analysis of Prédation Energetics in the Largemouth Bass

I. Introduction

II. Materials and Methods

III. Results and Discussion

References

Part III The Ecosystem: Simulation

6. A Finite Difference Model for Simulation of Dynamic Processes in Ecosystems

I. Introduction

II. General Population Model

III. Biotic Factors

IV. Abiotic Factors

V. Results and Discussion

VI. Conclusions

Appendix A. Glossary of Symbols Used

Appendix B. Input Formats

Appendix C. Sample Output

Appendix D. The Computer Program

References

7. Systems Approaches to the Study of Forest Floor Arthropods

I. Introduction

II. Techniques for Simulating Large-Scale Fluctuations

III. Techniques for Estimating Parameter Values in Large Systems

IV. A Model for Radiocesium Movement on the Forest Floor

V. Conclusions

References

8. A Compartment Model Simulation of Secondary Succession

I. Introduction

II. Mathematical Framework of the Model

III. Old-Field Succession in Central Oklahoma

IV. Old-Field Succession in the North Carolina Piedmont

V. General Discussion

References

9. Analog Computer Models of "The Wolves of Isle Royale"

I. The Plant-Moose-Wolf Food Chain

II. Description of Models

III. Time Behavior of Models

IV. Evaluation of Models

References

10. Computer Simulation of Energy Flow in Cedar Bog Lake, Minnesota, Based on the Classical Studies of Lindeman

I. Introduction

II. Lindeman's Study of Cedar Bog Lake

III. General Approach to Modeling the Cedar Bog Lake Ecosystem

IV. A Linear Three-Compartment System

V. A Ten-Compartment Network System

VI. Conversion of the Linear System to a Nonlinear System

VII. Controlling the Nonlinear Model

VIII. The Addition of Environmental Effects

IX. Final Adjustment of the Model

X. Utility of the Model

XI. Reconsideration of Lindeman's Work

References

Coda

Author Index

Subject Index

Life Sciences

Physical Sciences & Engineering

Social Sciences & Humanities

Health

Systems Analysis and Simulation in Ecology

Volume 1

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