Incorporating fundamental laws of biology and physics into population ecology: the metaphysiological approach

Abstract

Models commonly used in population ecology have somewhat vague and often misleading connections with physical and biological processes connecting organisms with their environments. The metaphysiological modelling approach offers a conceptual framework that is consistent with basic laws and enables integration across levels of organization from cells to ecosystems. This perspective accommodates the intrinsically disequilibrial nature of biological systems in changing environments, as well as adaptive responses to these changes. More attention needs to be paid to factors governing mortality losses rather than the functional or intake response alone. Models need to be based more firmly on underlying biophysical processes in order to serve as reliable guides to conservation action in novel environments.