Barausse 3

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of using models in ecological systems?

Answer 1

Question 2

How do physical, biophysical, and mathematical models differ in ecological modeling?

Answer 2

Question 3

Why are models considered simplifications of reality in ecological systems?

Answer 3

Question 4

What are the different types of mathematical models used in ecological modeling?

Answer 4

Question 5

What makes ecological models particularly complex and unique?

They are complex because there are multiple

• ?
• ?
• ?
• ?

Answer 5

• intractions
• feedback-loops
• non-linear processes
• heterogeneity

Question 6

How do ecological models differ from models used in physics or engineering?

Answer 6

Question 7

In what ways are models used in scientific inquiry and system analysis?

Answer 7

Question 8

Why is it important to match model complexity with the goal and available data?

Answer 8

Question 9

What is the iterative process involved in constructing ecological models?

Answer 9

Question 10

What is model calibration and why is it important?

Answer 10

Question 11

What is the role of model validation in ecological modeling?

Answer 11

Question 12

How do Occam’s Razor and uncertainty analysis influence model selection?

Answer 12

they guide the selection of models towards

• simplicity &
• reliability (assessment: how do errors in data [or assumptions] affect predictions?)

Question 13

What are AIC (Akaike Information Criterion) and BIC (Bayesian Information Criterion) used for in model selection?

Answer 13

Question 14

What does the Malthusian growth model describe, and why is it significant in ecology?

Answer 14

Question 15

How does the logistic growth model enhance our understanding of population dynamics compared to the Malthusian model?

Answer 15

Question 16

Why are allometric relationships important in ecological modelling?

Answer 16

• they allow ecologists to predict various biological and ecological processes based on the size or body mass of organisms.
• especially useful because they help simplify complex ecological systems by providing general rules that apply across a wide range of species
• Allometric relationships also predict growth rates, reproduction rates, and lifespan.
• smaller organisms tend to grow faster and reproduce earlier than larger ones, which can be essential for modeling population dynamics and understanding life history strategies.

Question 17

How can specific models like Ecopath and water quality models be applied in ecological studies?

Answer 17