Systems Ecology: An Introduction
An integrated theoretical and applied introduction to systems ecology that uses energy diagrammatic language to explain basic concepts of systems, modelling, and simulation. Teaches energetics while at the same time dealing with the issues of organization, entropy, information, complexity, diversity, frequency, and power and the ways these determine the nature of real systems. Includes analog and digital computer modelling, enabling readers without prior programming experience to create computer models of ecological processes.
Odum, Howard Thomas
(b. Durham, North Carolina, 1 September ; d. Gainesville, Florida, 16 September )
ecology, ecosystem studies, biogeochemistry, thermodynamics, ecological engineering, ecological economics.
More than any other scientist, Odum shaped the way ecologists think about energy. He pioneered large-scale experimental studies of energy flow in natural ecosystems. His theoretical writings, although often esoteric, strongly influenced the development of the field. Howard wrote the chapters on energy for the early editions of the highly influential textbook, Fundamentals of Ecology, authored by his brother Eugene. Howard’s early energy-flow diagrams continue to be widely used both in textbooks of ecology and general biology. Together, the Odum brothers helped to established ecosystems as an important focus of ecology during the s and s. Although the concept never quite attained the centrality that they envisioned, ecosystem ecology has become a recognized and well-established field within ecology. During his long career, Howard Odum trained nearly one hundred students. His ideas continue to be developed by these scientists, who are quick to acknowledge his infl
Race Rocks Ecological Reserve-
Energy Diagrams
1. Introduction Ecologist Howard T. Odum of the University of Florida created a set of symbols for the visual modeling of environmental systems. He called them energy diagrams. His symbols are very suggestive of biological processes. The first stage of our modeling consists of drawing an Odum diagram of the process, or system.
2. The Basic Diagrams The six energy symbols below suffice for most systems modeling. A complete set of the Odum symbols can be found in Odum&#;s publication.
These diagrams allow us to do qualitative modeling. Later, they maybe able to assist you in quantitative modeling. The lines denote energy pathways.
3. External Energy Source When the circle represents a renewable source such as sunlight, tidal flow, or a stream, it appears on the left. As the this energy flows by some of it is absorbed or pumped in by the system — the rest flows on by. When the circle represents human goods or services or products, it appears on the right.
4. The Heat Sink The term &#;heat sink &#; comes from thermodynamics. In engineering, energy loss is usually thermal in nature. However,
A visitor to this blog pointed me to the work and life of system ecologist Howard T. Odum.
Odum &#;in his early work used a diagramming methodology very similar to the Sankey diagrams used in chemical process engineering. In this model energy and matter flows through an ecosystem&#;.
In Odum&#;s &#;Silver Spring Study&#;, he
&#;mapped in detail all the flow routes to and from the stream. He measured the energy input of sun and rain, and of all organic matter &#; even those of the bread the tourists threw to ducks and fish &#; and then measured that gradually left the spring. In this way he was able to establish the stream&#;s energy budget. (Wikipedia)
This diagram shows the energy flows in the ecosystem. The main contributors are sunlight and other biomass imports. Energy &#;leaves&#; the system as exports (extraction of animals and biomass) and mainly as decomposed matter. There are no absolute figures in this diagram, but the proportions seem to be represented by the arrow magnitudes.
The diagram has a nice &#;natural touch&#; to it, and at first sight one might think that you are looking at the arms of a river delta&#;
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