Systems Ecology What is a system? Why is it a useful approach? I System A. definition(s) An assemblage of objects united by some form of interaction in such a manner s to form an entirety or a whole. A group of physical components connected or related in such a manner as to form or act as an entire unit. B. State The mode of condition of being of the system The state of a system is the condition of its state variables. State variables the component parts or observable attributes of a system C. Change of state Amount of change Rate of change flux ( rate value so always t-1) II. Deterministic and Stochastic systems III. Static and dynamic systems IV. Equilibrium and non-equilibrium systems Allen, T. F. H. & T. W. Hoekstra, 1992. Toward a unified Ecology Columbia University Press Altieri, Andrew H., Witman, Jon D. 2006: Local extinction of a foundation species in a hypoxic estuary: integrating individuals to ecosystem. Ecology: 87: 717–730. Batten, B. C. 1971. Systems Analysis and Simulation in Ecology. Academic Press. Cleveland, Cory C., Townsend, Alan R., Schmidt, Steven K., Constance, Briana C. 2003: Soil microbial dynamics and biogeochemistry in tropical forests and pastures, southwestern Costa Rica. Ecological Applications.13: 314–326. Fox, Jeremy W. 2006: Using the price equation to partition the effects of biodiversity loss on ecosystem function. Ecology.87: 2687–2696. Golley, F. B. 1993 A history of the Ecosystem Concept. Yale University Press Lotka, A. J. 1956. Elements of Mathematical Biology (a reprint of the 1924 “Elements of Physical Biology”. Dover Margalef, R. 1968. Perspectives in Ecological Theory University of Chicago Press. Morowitz, H. J. 1968. Energy Flow in Biology Academic Press. Myer & Tate 1983 Ecology 64: 33-44 Odum, H. T. 1971 Environment, Power and Society. Wiley & Sons. Steele, J. H. The Structure of marine Ecosystems. 1974 Harvard University Press Tate & Meyer 1983 Ecology 64: 25-32 Troy Baisden, W., Amundson, Ronald. 2003: An analytical approach to ecosystem biogeochemistry modeling. Ecological Applications 13: 649–663. Wright, Justin P., Jones, Clive G. 2004: Predicting effects of ecosystem engineers on patch-scale species richness from primary productivity. Ecology: 85: 2071–2081.