Dynamic modelling is a perfect tool to evaluate the outcome of assumed or observed sets of mechanisms. This chapter discusses the use of dynamic modelling in vegetation ecology.

This book contains 14 chapters discussing vegetation ecology, which is conceived of as a discipline analysing multiple vectors of species or plant traits jointly with environmental variables in space and time. Chapter 2 discusses patterns in vegetation ecology. Mathematical analysis starts with...

Most models in biology have a deterministic structure: they make definite predictions for quantities without any associated probability distribution. A stochastic model, on the other hand, contains random elements and probability distributions within the model itself. Historically, the predominant...

This chapter discusses the regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in hens. A dynamic model of Ca and P metabolism is also presented that could help in evaluating the effects of changes in the feeding management of laying hens.

The concept of sustainable tourism remains subject to substantial confusion, both with regard to precise implications and the specific patterns of resource use the concept implies. This confusion is particularly evident with regard to specific tradeoffs, policies, actions or indicators that are...

This chapter reviews how models have been developed to predict methane production from individuals, groups of animals and, more broadly, from farming systems. It discusses the techniques used for model development and summarizes the progress made to date. Some aspects of methanogenesis is also...

This chapter focuses on the time factor in the analysis of risky decisions in agriculture. Sections discuss: investment appraisal under uncertainty; dynamic decision analysis; and stochastic dynamic modelling methods.

This chapter extends the previous chapter by presenting several models some of which are obtained by modification of the simplest growth functions, but are often not analytically soluble. First, ways in which simple exponential growth can be limited are considered. Then the representation of delays ...

Dynamic deterministic models are the principal type of model used in this book, and, arguably, are the most important in the wider biological context. The general method of dynamic deterministic modelling is explained, emphasizing the role of state variables, differential equations, other...

This chapter presents a model of metabolism in the sow. A brief description of dynamic, mechanistic, metabolic models is given. The integration of genetic elements into metabolic models is discussed. The modelling process (experimentation, hypothesis setting and improvement) is outlined.