Article
Article
Systems ecology
Article By:
Kareiva, Peter M. Department of Zoology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
Last reviewed:September 2021
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.675900
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- Systems ecology, published January 2021:Download PDF
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The analysis of how ecosystem function is determined by the components of an ecosystem and how those components cycle, retain, or exchange energy and nutrients. Systems ecology is a quantitative branch of ecosystem ecology. In general, an ecosystem is a functional system that includes an ecological community of organisms together with the physical environment, interacting as a unit. Systems ecology typically involves the application of theoretical and computer models that track the flow of energy and materials (Fig. 1) and predict the responses of systems to various perturbations, such as fires, climate change, and species extinctions. See also: Ecological community; Ecological modeling; Ecology; Ecosystem; Theoretical ecology
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