Hierarchical approaches to the study of ecological process and pattern
An approach based on hierarchy theory is applied to problems involving the relationships between levels of analysis in ecology. The first problem involves ''emergence'' - the inability to predict the behavior of the whole from its parts. To analyze emergence, a hierarchical conceptual model is developed, which is then used to clarify several controversies involving emergence and to help assess the benefits and pitfalls of higher level analyses. If a taxonomic hierarchy can be assumed to reflect a hierarchy of ecological similarity of species, then higher taxonomic levels may be useful in detecting larger scale ecological patterns. Patterns shown by specific and generic level binary similarity coefficients are compared for chironomid species data from a polluted Ohio stream. The ecological similarity of congenerics is assessed using the trend in the species:genus ratio along the pollution gradient. A hierarchical approach assumes that a hierarchy of pattern reflects a hierarchy of process. Simulation models of New England and Australian rocky intertidal communities were used to show how this assumption may be violated. The model results indicate that three characteristics of the Australian rocky intertidal community may allow small-scale ''stochastic'' processes to have larger scale effects than in the New England community.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA). Environmental Sciences Div.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 5152109
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL/TM-10024; ON: DE86015978
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted. Environmental Sciences Division Publication No. 2721
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Predicting taxonomic and functional structure of microbial communities in acid mine drainage
Effects of productivity, consumers, competitors, and El Nino events on food chain patterns in a rocky intertidal community
Related Subjects
COMMUNITIES
STOCHASTIC PROCESSES
ECOLOGY
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
WATER POLLUTION
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
INSECTS
SHORES
STREAMS
ANIMALS
ARTHROPODS
ECOSYSTEMS
INVERTEBRATES
POLLUTION
SURFACE WATERS
520100* - Environment
Aquatic- Basic Studies- (-1989)
520200 - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)