Systems Analysis And Simulation In Ecology

"This is a book of ecology in transition form a "soft" science, synecology, to a "hard" science, systems ecology" -- Preface.

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.

Systems Analysis and Simulation in Ecology, Volume IV continues the organization begun in Volume III to document a meeting, Modeling and Analysis of Ecosystems, held at the University of Georgia on 1-3 March 1973. Several chapters are considerably expanded over their original concept, and several others are included which were not part of the symposium. The book is organized into five parts. Part I contains chapters on estuarine-marine ecosystems. Part II presents models of several terrestrial ecosystems. Part III has chapters devoted to human aspects of ecology. Part IV considers special problems of ecosystem modeling, namely linear versus nonlinear models, aggregation, and validation. Part V, the most extensive section, describes theory in ecosystem analysis. The book’s chapters demonstrate the current scope of systems ecology—its past and present emphasis on parts and mechanisms in simulation modeling, and its movement toward systems analysis and new, more formal consideration of wholes in theory. They make clear that although the systems approach is young in ecology, it has substantially enriched the science both methodologically and conceptually.

Systems Analysis in Ecology surveys the problems and techniques of systems analysis in ecology. The opening and closing chapters were written by the editor, the first to explain why systems analysis is needed in ecology and what is meant by the term, and the last to point out the implications of this new approach for the future development of ecology. The book opens with a discussion of the nature of systems analysis. This is followed by separate chapters on the complexity of ecological systems and problems in their study and management; the organization and analytical procedures required by a large ecological systems study; telemetry and automatic data acquisition systems; and surveillance of the activities of small mammals. Subsequent chapters deal with the analysis of bird navigation experiments; the analysis of determination in population systems; building models of complex ecological systems; mathematical tools for the design of better salmon fishery management systems; and the evolution of ecological research programs.

This book explores the theory and methods of systems analysis and computer modeling as applied to problems in ecology and natural resource management. It reflects the problems and conflicts between competing uses of limited space and the need for quantitative predictors of the outcome of various management strategies.