Abstract
This paper is to show that most discrete models used for population dynamics in ecology are inherently pathological that their predications cannot be independently verified by experiments because they violate a fundamental principle of physics. The result is used to tackle an on-going controversy regarding ecological chaos. Another implication of the result is that all dynamical systems must be modeled by differential equations. As a result it suggests that researches based on discrete modeling must be closely scrutinized and the teaching of calculus and differential equations must be emphasized for students of biology.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 287-292 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Ecological Modelling |
Volume | 215 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 24 2008 |
Keywords
- Beverton-Holt model
- Differential equations
- Discrete modeling
- Ecological chaos
- Ecological stability
- Holling's disc function
- Logistic Equation
- Logistic Map
- One-Life Rule
- Time Invariance Principle
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ecological Modeling