L2 Purpose of modelling in Ecology Flashcards
what are some advantages and disadvantages of complex models
+ greater accuracy, realistic assumptions, identify non linear relationships/correlations
- large quantity of data needed, computationally difficult/expensive, difficult to interpet, risk of overfitting, harder to validate
what are some advantages and disadvantages of simple models
+ fewer data requirements, interpretability of data, computational efficiency, highlight broad patterns
- limited accuracy, oversimplification, assumptions may be unrealistic, lack of specificity
what is the process of making a model for predicting
input of data into a model
this generates “new data” which is the prediction
different conditions/variables
what is the process of making a model for understanding
collection of data
generating multiple models that are a mixture of processes that can be tweaked
model selection
if all models fit, data is not good enough
what is the approach to models by George EP Box
all models are wrong and all models can fail upon being chanllenged with data, but some are useful
what are the two main purposes of models
predict and understand
what is a theory in ecology
any ecological work that uses mathematical formulas or a computer
what is the Madingley model?
an example of a ‘next-generation’ model of ecosystems and biodiversity
what are the key findings of Bartlett et al
-Habitat loss and fragmentation interact synergistically, exacerbating ecosystem disruptions beyond their individual impacts
-Habitat loss and fragmentation disproportionately affect trophic levels, leading to significant biomass redistribution
-Body Size Sensitivity larger animals affected disproportionately
-Top-down regulation by predators mitigated plant biomass loss in disturbed habitats, suggesting that models ignoring trophic interactions may underestimate ecosystem resilience.
-Smaller habitat landscapes exhibited higher sensitivity to fragmentation
-used Madingley model simulation
