A Brief Look at General Systems

The theory of dynamic systems originally evolved in the engineering sciences for designing complex mechanical and electronic systems from their basic component parts. It has since found increasing usage by military, economic, and industrial strategists, and more recently by biologists, as a method for gaining insight into the structure and function of complex systems. In this first chapter I will outline some of the elementary concepts and principles of dynamic systems theory as a prelude to our investigation of population dynamics. I have tried to avoid engineering jargon as much as possible and have freely modified some of the more rigorous concepts to suit the particular needs of population ecology, hopefully without losing the original intent. My aim has been to use the theory to gain a better understanding of population dynamics and management and, thus, I have glossed over or ignored much of the formality and detail (references to more technical treatments are given in Note 1.1 at the end of this chapter).