Bridging gaps between statistical and mathematical modeling in ecology

Abstract

Congratulations to Heisey and colleagues (2010) for an analysis of complex ecological data within a process-oriented framework and an equally thoughtful discussion of the ongoing challenges of linking process and pattern. Their work joins a growing literature linking modern statistical methods for describing patterns in data with expanded sets of ecologically-motivated mathematical models of population dynamics. My comments build on the authors’ framework and discussion to describe a continuum that (I feel) encompasses a conceptual path between process and pattern and illustrates how hierarchical models provide a convenient area within which to explore this continuum.