Implications of network particle tracking (NPT) for ecological model interpretation

Abstract Network particle tracking (NPT), building on the foundation of network environ analysis (NEA), is a new development in the definition of coherence relations within and between connected systems. This paper evaluates three ecosystem models in a comparison of throughflow- and storage-based NEA and NPT. Compartments in models with high indirect effects and Finn cycling showed low correlation of NEA storage and throughflow with particle repeat visits and numbers of particles in compartments at steady state. Conversely, the correlation between NEA and NPT results was high with two models having lower indirect effects and Finn cycling. Analysis of ecological orientors associated with NEA showed NPT to fully support conventional NEA results when the common conditions of donor control and steady state are satisfied. Particle trajectories are recorded in the new concept of a particle “passport”. Ability to track and record particle in-system histories enables views of multiple scales and opens the possibility of making pathway-dependent modeling decisions. NPT may also enable modeling of time, allowing integration of Newtonian, organismal and stochastic modeling perspectives in a single comprehensive analysis.

[1]  B. C. Patten,et al.  Ecosystem growth and development. , 2004, Bio Systems.

[2]  Brian D. Fath,et al.  Application of thermodynamic principles in ecology , 2004 .

[3]  J. Finn,et al.  Measures of ecosystem structure and function derived from analysis of flows. , 1976, Journal of theoretical biology.

[4]  Caner Kazanci,et al.  Can consumer stoichiometric regulation control nutrient spiraling in streams? , 2009, Journal of the North American Benthological Society.

[5]  William Hasker,et al.  Metaphysics : Constructing a World View , 1983 .

[6]  Sven Erik Jørgensen,et al.  Thermodynamic Orientors: A Review of Goal Functions and Ecosystem Indicators , 1998 .

[7]  James H. Matis,et al.  The water environs of Okefenokee swamp: An application of static linear environ analysis , 1982 .

[8]  Bernard C. Patten,et al.  System Theory of the Ecological Niche , 1981, The American Naturalist.

[9]  A. Whitehead.  Adventures of ideas , 1933 .

[10]  Caner Kazanci,et al.  EcoNet: A new software for ecological modeling, simulation and network analysis , 2007 .

[11]  B. C. Patten,et al.  Review of the Foundations of Network Environ Analysis , 1999, Ecosystems.

[12]  C. H. Pharo,et al.  Mineral Cycling in Southeastern Ecosystems. , 1978 .

[13]  D. Gillespie.  Exact Stochastic Simulation of Coupled Chemical Reactions , 1977 .

[14]  A. Chattopadhyay,et al.  Heat and thermodynamics , 1952 .

[15]  Bernard C. Patten,et al.  Network integration of ecological extremal principles: exergy, emergy, power, ascendency, and indirect effects , 1995 .

[16]  S. Jørgensen,et al.  Towards A Thermodynamic Theory For Ecological Systems , 2004 .

[17]  Sven Erik Jørgensen,et al.  Network calculations and ascendency based on eco-exergy , 2009 .

[18]  B. C. Patten.  Environs: The Superniches of Ecosystems , 1981 .

[19]  Robert E. Ulanowicz,et al.  Network Orientors: Theoretical and Philosophical Considerations why Ecosystems may Exhibit a Propensity to Increase in Ascendency , 1998 .

[20]  Bernard C. Patten,et al.  Dominance of Indirect Causality in Ecosystems , 1989, The American Naturalist.

[21]  D. Gillespie.  A rigorous derivation of the chemical master equation , 1992 .

[22]  Felix Müller,et al.  Eco Targets, Goal Functions, and Orientors , 1998 .

[23]  Ernest W. Tollner,et al.  Defining an ecological thermodynamics using discrete simulation approaches , 2007 .

[24]  James H. Matis,et al.  Compartmental analysis of ecosystem models , 1983 .

[25]  B. C. Patten.  Environs: Relativistic Elementary Particles for Ecology , 1982, The American Naturalist.

[26]  Brian D. Fath,et al.  A MATLABreg function for Network Environ Analysis , 2006, Environ. Model. Softw..

[27]  D. Gillespie.  The chemical Langevin equation , 2000 .

[28]  Bernard C. Patten,et al.  Network Orientors: Steps Toward a Cosmography of Ecosystems: Orientors for Directional Development, Self-Organization, and Autoevolution , 1998 .

[29]  Bernard C. Patten,et al.  Systems Approach to the Concept of Environment , 1978 .

[30]  John Schramski,et al.  Distributed control in the environ networks of a seven compartment model of nitrogen flow in the Neuse River Estuary, North Carolina, USA , 2006 .

[31]  Dexter S. Haven,et al.  ASPECTS OF BIODEPOSITION BY OYSTERS AND OTHER INVERTEBRATE FILTER FEEDERS1 , 1966 .

[32]  B. Breckling,et al.  Introduction: Philosophical Aspects of Goal Functions , 1998 .

[33]  Steven W. Running,et al.  Comparing site quality indices and productivity in ponderosa pine stands of western Montana , 1988 .

[34]  Raymond L. Lindeman.  The trophic-dynamic aspect of ecology , 1942 .

[35]  R. Ulanowicz.  Growth and development : ecosystems phenomenology , 1988 .

[36]  Brad Bass,et al.  Applying Thermodynamic Orientors: Goal Functions in the Holling Figure-Eight Model , 1998 .

[37]  B. C. Patten,et al.  Complementarity of ecological goal functions. , 2001, Journal of theoretical biology.