Computer simulation models : applications to the study of ecological systems

Abstract

Abstract Tho role of state-space and feedback concepts in the dovolopmont of simulation models for ecological systems is discussed The modelling process as applied to ecology is illustrated by the development of models for three ecological systems ; the growth of a single species limited by food supply, the competition between two species for a common food supply and a predator–prey relationship. Information available in the literature concerning these systems is used to determine the model structures. Digital simulation results for each model are presented and the effect of parameter variations on model behaviour is investigated While no attempt is made at formal validation, model behaviour is compared to that observed in nature. The three models appear to possess much of the general dynamic behaviour of actual animal populations, most notably that of cyclic oscillations.