Food Webs and Perturbation Experiments: Theory and Practice

Generally speaking, a perturbation experiment is of the form: (1) Measure the relevant quantities; (2) subject the system to some external influence (the perturbation)—preferably controlled; and (3) measure the relevant quantities again (detect a response to the perturbation). There are many kinds of perturbation experiments, both intentional (such as addition/removal experiments in field ecology, or the setting of quotas on harvests of exploited populations) and unintentional (such as the introduction of toxins to a system, or the invasion of a new species into an existing community). Some of these unintended perturbation experiments are extremely interesting, both theoretically and practically, and that is why in my definition of perturbation experiment I suggested that while it is preferable, it is not necessary that the perturbation be controlled.

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