Parameterization and pbkp_rediction of community interaction models using stable-state assumptions and computational techniques: An example from the high rocky intertidal

Abstract:

Many ecological communities exist in a stable state where, if undisturbed, no net change will occur in the populations or in the interactions between the component parts of the system. In this paper we present computational methods (evolutionary algorithms and random searches) to parameterize mathematical models that describe communities in stable states. The initial parameterization of the model requires only "best guess" estimates for parameters and can therefore be used in data-poor situations. The technique locates the stable state that occurs with minimum deviation from these parameters. Alternative stable states in which the community may exist after a disturbance event can also be assessed using this technique, even though the number of alternative states may be large. Using available but incomplete data from an intertidal grazer/biofilm community, we created a pbkp_rediction of the dynamics of both a pre- and post-disturbance community. Using limited data, we then pbkp_redicted the most likely post-disturbance community, which proved to be a good match to experimental data, indicating the usefulness of this technique as a pbkp_redictive tool. © 2008 Marine Biological Laboratory.

Año de publicación:

2008

Keywords:

Fuente:

scopus