A comparative modelling study of plant growth systems in a desert ecosystem. Reynolds, J. F. Ph.D. Thesis, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 1974.
abstract   bibtex   
The use of modeling as a tool in ecosystem analysis has mushroomed in recent years.... Two possible modeling approaches are within quantitative and a qualitative formats. The quantitative approach in ecology usually incorporates the level-rate paradigm of Forrester, utilizing systems of differential equations to describe component relationships. A high level of model precision is one of the objectives. The qualitative approach, as used here, incorporated the pulse-reserve paradigm of Bridges, utilizing blocks of logic statements to test for the presence or absence of specific driving variables. A high level of model realism is one of the goals using this technique. Although void of functional relationships or mechanisms, the pulse-reserve model did offer long-term stability. The reserve-trigger-pulse sequence of the model is biologically real and represents an adaptive strategy for organisms in arid environments. The possibility of expanding this approach for and entire system is discussed. A model is proposed that incorporates the more precise level-rate formulation for primary producers and the pulse-reserve paradigm for higher trophic levels.
@phdthesis{reynolds_comparative_1974,
	address = {Las Cruces, New Mexico},
	title = {A comparative modelling study of plant growth systems in a desert ecosystem},
	abstract = {The use of modeling as a tool in ecosystem analysis has mushroomed in recent years....  Two possible modeling approaches are within quantitative and a qualitative formats.  The quantitative approach in ecology usually incorporates the level-rate paradigm of Forrester, utilizing systems of differential equations to describe component relationships.  A high level of model precision is one of the objectives.  The qualitative approach, as used here, incorporated the pulse-reserve paradigm of Bridges, utilizing blocks of logic statements to test for the presence or absence of specific driving variables.  A high level of model realism is one of the goals using this technique.     Although void of functional relationships or mechanisms, the pulse-reserve model did offer long-term stability.  The reserve-trigger-pulse sequence of the model is biologically real and represents an adaptive strategy for organisms in arid environments.  The possibility of expanding this approach for and entire system is discussed.  A model is proposed that incorporates the more precise level-rate formulation for primary producers and the pulse-reserve paradigm for higher trophic levels.},
	school = {New Mexico State University},
	author = {Reynolds, James Fredric},
	year = {1974},
	keywords = {JRN, thesis}
}

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