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Simple temporal models for ecological systems with complex spatial patterns
Author(s) -
Pascual Mercedes,
Roy Manojit,
Franc Alain
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
ecology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.852
H-Index - 265
eISSN - 1461-0248
pISSN - 1461-023X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1461-0248.2002.00334.x
Subject(s) - temporal scales , spatial ecology , ecology , statistical physics , power law , population , simple (philosophy) , scaling , range (aeronautics) , spatial heterogeneity , stability (learning theory) , nonlinear system , computer science , mathematics , physics , statistics , biology , geometry , philosophy , demography , materials science , epistemology , quantum mechanics , machine learning , sociology , composite material
Spatial patterns are ubiquitous in nature. Because these patterns modify the temporal dynamics and stability properties of population densities at a range of spatial scales, their effects must be incorporated in temporal ecological models that do not represent space explicitly. We demonstrate a connection between a simple parameterization of spatial effects and the geometry of clusters in an individual‐based predator–prey model that is both nonlinear and stochastic. Specifically we show that clusters exhibit a power‐law scaling of perimeter to area with an exponent close to unity. In systems with a high degree of patchiness, similar power‐law scalings can provide a basis for applying simple temporal models that assume well‐mixed conditions.