Structuring ecological problems: a tribute to Peter Yodzis

Abstract

Complexity is, well, complicated, and one approach taken to deal with ecological complexity paradoxically has been to simplify. The late Peter Yodzis, to whom this series is dedicated, pioneered approaching this problem with the inherent clarity and logic of mathematics. He noted however that the paradox of simplifying complexity was counterintuitive to many empiricists: “Admittedly, many ecologists are skeptical of this kind of model, thinking it overly simplified” (Yodzis, P. 1988. The indeterminacy of ecological interactions as perceived through perturbation experiments. Ecology 69: 508–515). Yodzis undoubtedly realized that some of this resistance arose from unfamiliarity with mathematics, and he undertook what Kevin McCann, in an affecting preface, calls the “good fight,” namely, to contribute both to the teaching and to the science of ecological systems through mathematics. Given that society’s well-being, and possibly its survival, will depend on solving problems with ecosystems, Yodzis’ fight has become one that we must all join. The book presents a baker’s dozen of chapters by an impressive list of researchers in the field. Very much keeping Yodzis’ approach in mind, most papers revolve around mathematical analyses of complex systems, emphasizing generalities all the while ensuring relevance to the field. Most papers do not eschew mathematical formulae and I found them valuable and contextual. In addition to making valuable contributions to research, therefore, the book also could serve as a text for graduate students in ecology wishing to bolster their background in theory. The chapter (Chapter 1) by Mariano Koen-Alonzo, for example, is as lucid, approachable and current an exposition of the mathematics of functional response as one can find anywhere. The problem with simplification of course is that some things must left out. From a self-serving perspective, being interested in parasites, I found that the absence of theory on parasitism to be one such missing topic. Profiting from the wisdom of evolutionary selection, parasites have become master empiricists. No part of an ecosystem is free of their influence. As suggested by Peter Morin (Chapter 5), an elucidation of the role of parasitism in ecosystems might lead to key insights in their dynamics and structure. This volume is the first of a new series entitled ‘The Peter Yodzis Fundamental Ecology Series’. Based on the first outing, the series will become a valuable and important collection, and I look forward to future volumes. Environ Biol Fish (2008) 83:125 DOI 10.1007/s10641-007-9309-3