Journal article
Authors list: Reuter, H; Jopp, F; Blanco-Moreno, JM; Damgaard, C; Matsinos, Y; DeAngelis, DL
Publication year: 2010
Pages: 572-581
Journal: Basic and Applied Ecology
Volume number: 11
Issue number: 7
ISSN: 1439-1791
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2010.08.002
Publisher: Elsevier
A continuing discussion in applied and theoretical ecologyfocuses on the The focus of most ecological investigations on either top-down or bottom-upapproaches
Abstract:
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.
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 style: Reuter, 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 style: Reuter, 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