Journal article

Ecological hierarchies and self-organisation – Pattern analysis, modelling and process integration across scales


Authors listReuter, H; Jopp, F; Blanco-Moreno, JM; Damgaard, C; Matsinos, Y; DeAngelis, DL

Publication year2010

Pages572-581

JournalBasic and Applied Ecology

Volume number11

Issue number7

ISSN1439-1791

DOI Linkhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2010.08.002

PublisherElsevier


Abstract

A continuing discussion in applied and theoretical ecologyfocuses on the
relationship of different organisational levels and on how ecological systems
interact across scales. We address principal approaches to cope with complex
across-level issues in ecology by applying elements of hierarchy theory and the
theory of complex adaptivesystems. A top-down approach,often characterised by
the use of statistical techniques, can be applied to analyse large-scale
dynamics and identify constraints exertedon lower levels. Current developments
are illustrated with examples from the analysis of within-community spatial
patterns and large-scale vegetation patterns. A bottom-up approach allows one
to elucidate how interactions of individuals shape dynamics at higher levels in
a self-organisationprocess; e.g., population development and community
composition. This may be facilitated by various modelling tools, which provide
the distinction between focal levels and resulting properties. For instance,resilience
in grassland communities has been analysed with a cellular automaton approach,
and the driving forces in rodent population oscillationshave been identified
with an agent-based model. Both modelling tools illustrate the principles of
analysing higher level processes by representing the interactions of basic
components.



The focus of most ecological investigations on either top-down or bottom-upapproaches
may not be appropriate, if strong cross-scale relationships predominate. Here,
we propose an ‘across-scale-approach’, closely interweaving the inherent
potentials of both approaches. This combination of analytical and synthesising
approaches will enable ecologists to establish a more coherent access to
cross-level interactions in ecological systems.



 




Citation Styles

Harvard Citation styleReuter, H., Jopp, F., Blanco-Moreno, J., Damgaard, C., Matsinos, Y. and DeAngelis, D. (2010) Ecological hierarchies and self-organisation – Pattern analysis, modelling and process integration across scales, Basic and Applied Ecology, 11(7), pp. 572-581. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2010.08.002

APA Citation styleReuter, H., Jopp, F., Blanco-Moreno, J., Damgaard, C., Matsinos, Y., & DeAngelis, D. (2010). Ecological hierarchies and self-organisation – Pattern analysis, modelling and process integration across scales. Basic and Applied Ecology. 11(7), 572-581. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2010.08.002


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