Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Ecosystem Modeling

  • Chapter
Methods in Ecosystem Science

Abstract

In the usual usage, ecological models are mathematical expressions developed to be analogous, in some sense, with an ecosystem of interest (Table 25.1). The models of principal interest here are those are used to integrate information and to produce predictions of responses of ecosystems to change. With an abruptly increasing availability of computer power in terms of speed, cost, and magnitude of computation over the past two decades, there has been an explosive development of the application of computer models in ecology as well as in other sciences. New computer software allows scientists to explore complex dynamic equations using small (but powerful) computers in the same manner that an earlier generation of ecologists used paper as “scratch pads” to sketch data patterns and dynamic interrelations. The mathematical techniques used in developing and analyzing ecological models have been treated in several books (e.g., Caswell et al. 1972; Smith 1974; Odum 1983; Jørgensen 1986; Beltrami 1987; Yodzis 1989; Shugart 1998) and are the focus of several ecological journals.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Allee, W.C. Concerning the organization of marine coastal communities. Ecol. Monogr. 5:541–554; 1934.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beltrami, E. Mathematics for Dynamic Modeling. Orlando, FL: Academic; 1987.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bormann, F.H.; Likens, G.E. Pattern and Process in a Forested Ecosystem. New York: Springer-Verlag; 1979.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Botkin, D.B. Forest Dynamics: An Ecological Model. Oxford: Oxford Univ. Pr.; 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  • Botkin, D.B.; Janak, J.F.; Wallis, J.R. Some ecological consequences of a computer model of forest growth. J. Ecol. 60:849–872; 1972.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Box, E.O. Geographical dimensions of terrestrial net and gross primary productivity. Radiat. Environ. Biophys. 15:305–322; 1978.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Caswell, H.; Koenig, H.E.; Resh, J.A.; Ross, Q.E. An introduction to systems science for ecologists. In: Patten, B.C., ed. Systems Analysis and Simulation in Ecology. Vol. II. New York: Academic; 1972:3–80.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cook, R.E. Raymond Lindeman and the trophic-dynamic concept in ecology. Science 198:109–122; 1977.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dale, M.B. Systems analysis and ecology. Ecology 51:2–16; 1970.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeAngelis, D.L.; Gross, L.J., eds. Individual-Based Models and Approaches in Ecology: Populations, Communities and Ecosystems. New York: Chapman and Hall; 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  • DiStefano, J.J., III, Stubberud, A.R.; Williams, I.J. Schaum’s Outline of Theory and Problems of Feedback and Control Systems. New York: McGraw-Hill; 1967.

    Google Scholar 

  • Farquhar, G.D.; von Caemmerer, S.; Berry, J.A. A biochemical model of photosynthetic CO2 fixation in leaves of C3 species. Planta 149:78–90; 1980.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Friend, A.D. Use of a model of photosynthesis and leaf microenvironment to predict optimal stomatal conductance and leaf nitrogen partitioning. Plant Cell Environ. 14:895–905; 1991.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Friend, A.D.; Shugart, H.H.; Running, S.W. A physiology-based model of forest dynamics. Ecology 74:792–797; 1993.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hearon, K.Z. The kinetics of linear systems with special reference to periodic reactions. Bull. Math. Biophys. 15:121–141; 1953.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holling, C.S. Principles of insect predation. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 6:163–182; 1961.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holling, C.S. The analysis of complex population processes. Can. Entomol. 96:335–347; 1964.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huston, M.; DeAngelis, D.L.; Post, W.M. New computer models unify ecological theory. BioScience 38:682–691; 1988.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jørgensen, S.E. Fundamentals of Ecological Modeling. Amsterdam; Elsevier; 1986.

    Google Scholar 

  • Levins, R. The quantitative analysis of partially specified systems. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 231:123–138; 1974.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lieth, H. Modeling the primary productivity of the world (pp. 237-263). In: Leith, H.; Whittaker, R.H., eds. Primary Productivity of the Biosphere. New York: Springer-Verlag; 1975:237–263.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Lindeman, R.L. The trophic-dynamic aspect of ecology. Ecology 23:399–418.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lomnicki, A. Population Ecology of Individuals. Princeton, NJ: Princeton Univ. Pr.; 1988.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mankin, J.B.; O’Neill, R.V.; Shugart, H.H.; Rust, B.W. The importance of validation in ecosystem analysis. In: Innis, G.S., ed. New Directions in the Analysis of Ecological Systems. Part I. LaJolla, CA: Simulation Councils of America, 1977:63–71.

    Google Scholar 

  • McIntosh, R.P. The Background of Ecology: Concept and Theory. Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Pr.; 1985.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Meentenmeyer, V. Macroclimate and lignin control of litter decomposition rates. Ecology 59:465–472; 1978.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Montieth, J.L. Solar radiation and productivity in tropical ecosystems. J. Appl. Ecol. 9:747–766; 1972.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Odum, E.P. Fundamentals of Ecology. Philadelphia: Saunders; 1953.

    Google Scholar 

  • Odum, E.P. Energy flow in ecosystems: A historical review. Am. Zool. 8:11–18; 1968.

    Google Scholar 

  • Odum, H.T. Trophic structure and productivity of Silver Springs, Florida. Ecol. Monogr. 27:55–112; 1955.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Odum, H.T. Systems Ecology. New York: Wiley; 1983.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ojima, D., ed. Modeling the Earth System. Boulder, CO: UCAR/Office for Interdisciplinary Earth Studies; 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parton, W.J. Abiotic section of ELM. In: Innis, G.S., ed. Grassland Simulation Model. Ecological Studies 26. New York: Springer-Verlag; 1978:31–53.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Parton, W.J.; Schimel, D.S.; Cole, C.V.; Ojima, D. Analysis of factors controlling soil organic levels of grasslands of the Great Plains. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 51:1173–1179; 1987.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Parton, W.J., Stewart, J.W.B.; and Cole, C.V. Dynamics of C, N, P and S in grassland soils: A model. Biogeochemistry 5:109–131; 1988.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Patten, B.C. A primer for ecological modeling and simulation with analog and digital computers. In: Patten, B.C.; ed. Systems Analysis and Simulation in Ecology. Vol. I. New York: Academic; 1971:4–121.

    Google Scholar 

  • Penman, H.L. Natural evaporation from open water, soil and grass. Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A 193:120–145; 1948.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Petersen, C.G.J. The Sea Bottom and Its Production of Fish Food. Reports of the Danish Biological Station. No. 25. 1918:1–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rohlf, F.J.; Davenport, D. Simulation of simple models of animal behavior with a digital computer. J. Theor. Biol. 23:400–424; 1969.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenzweig, M.L. Net primary productivity of terrestrial communities: Prediction from climatological data. Am. Nat. 102:67–74; 1968.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Running, S.W.; Coughlan, J.C. A general model of forest ecosystem processes for regional applications I. Hydrological balance, canopy gas exchange and primary production processes. Ecol. Model. 42:125–154; 1988.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Running, S.W.; Nemani, R.R. 1988. Relating seasonal patterns of the AVHRR vegetation index to simulated photosynthesis and transpiration of forests in different climates. Remote Sens. Environ. 24:347–367; 1988.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Running, S.W.; Nemani, R.R.; Peterson, D.L.; Band, L.E.; Potts, D.F.; Peirce, L.L.; Spanner, M.A. Mapping regional forest evapotranspiration and photosynthesis by coupling satellite data with ecosystem simulation. Ecology 70:1090–1101; 1989.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Semper, K. Animal Life as Affected by the Natural Conditions of Existence. New York: Appleton; 1881.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sheppard, C.W.; Householder, A.S. The mathematical basis of the interpretation of tracer experiments in closed, steady-state systems. J. Appl. Phys. 22:510–520; 1951.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shugart, H.H. A Theory of Forest Dynamics: The Ecological Implications of Forest Succession Models. New York: Springer-Verlag; 1984.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shugart, H.H.; Terrestrial Ecosystems in Changing Environments. Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Pr.; 1998.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shugart, H.H.; O’Neill, R.V., eds. Systems Ecology. Stroudsburg, PA: Dowden, Hutchinson and Ross; 1979.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shugart, H.H.; Smith, T.M.; Post, W.M. The application of individual-based simulation models for assessing the effects of global change. Annu. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 23:15–38; 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shugart, H.H.; West, D.C. Forest succession models. BioScience 30:308–313; 1980.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, J.M. Models in Ecology. Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Pr.; 1974.

    Google Scholar 

  • Solomon, A.K. Equations for tracer experiments. J. Clin. Invest. 28:1297–1307; 1949.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Teorell, T. Kinetics of distribution of substances administered to the body. Arch. Int. Pharmacodyn. 57:205–240; 1937.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thienemann, A. Lebengemeinschaft und Lebensraum. Naturwissenshaft Wocheschrift, N.F. 17:282–290; 297-303; 1918.

    Google Scholar 

  • Timothy, L.K.; Bona, E. State Space Analysis: An Introduction. New York: McGraw-Hill; 1968.

    Google Scholar 

  • Urban, D.L.; Shugart, H.H. Individual-based models of forest succession. In: Glenn-Lewin, D.C.; Peet, R.K.; Veblen, T.T., eds. Plant Succession: Theory and Prediction. London: Chapman and Hall; 1992:249–293.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiegert, R.G. The past, present and future of ecological energetics. In: Pomeroy, L.R.; Alberts, J.J., eds. Concepts of Ecosystem Ecology. New York: Springer-Verlag; 1988:29–56.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Woodward, F.I.; Smith, T.M.; Emanuel, W.R. A global land primary productivity and phytogeography model. Global Biogeochem. Cycl. 9:471–490; 1995.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yodzis, P. Introduction to Theoretical Ecology. New York: Harper and Row; 1989.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zilversmit, D.B.; Entenmann, C.; Fishier, M.C. On the calculation of turnover time and turnover rate from experiments involving the use of labeling agents. J. Gen. Physiol. 26:325–331; 1943.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. Herman H. Shugart
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. IFEVA, Cátedra de Ecología, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. San Martin 4453, Buenos Aires, 1417, Argentina

    Osvaldo E. Sala

  2. Department of Biology and Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Phytotron Building, Durham, NC, 27708, USA

    Robert B. Jackson

  3. Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA

    Harold A. Mooney

  4. Program in Biogeochemistry and Environmental Change, Section of Ecology and Systematics, Cornell University, Corson Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA

    Robert W. Howarth

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2000 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Shugart, H.H. (2000). Ecosystem Modeling. In: Sala, O.E., Jackson, R.B., Mooney, H.A., Howarth, R.W. (eds) Methods in Ecosystem Science. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-1224-9_26

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-1224-9_26

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-387-98743-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-1224-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation