Course 2.1.1: Basics of Ecosystem Analysis May 24, 2006 Ecosystem Protection Concepts Ecosystem Protection II. � W. Windhorst A - Ecosystem Integrity, the Concept � Pres. Timo - Ecosystem Integrity, Applications � Pres. Timo The UNCBD Ecosystem Approach – Case Studies � W. Windhorst - Forest Ecosystems � Pres. Pawel Ecosystem Theory. � F. Müller B Organizing Salzau - Network Theory � Pres. Kamil Web pages - Thermodynamics � Pres. Aiko Transfer - Hierarchy Theory � Pres. Pawel Working plans - Gradient Principles � Pres. Lech Problems August Macke: Felsige Landschaft, 1914, Aquarell, 24 × 20 cm, Land: Deutschland, Stil: Expressionismus. What are theories? Popper: Abstract "Theory is the fishing net description, that scientists cast explanation and to catch the world, organization to explain it of a scientific and to control it." disciplin. Theories are - sets of hypotheses empirically or deductively - non-evaluative based, aggregating and - capable of being integrating falsified representations - prognostic of the proved - applicable to knowledge of a single cases scientific disciplin. - directing the development, What orientation, and are Theories structure of the theories? disciplin Which theories are relevant for ecosystem compre- hension? Approaches: Farina: - Hierarchy Theory "Theories are interpreting - Fractal Geometry the complexity and - Chaos Theory heterogeneity of the - Catastrophe environment (landscape)" Theory - Self-Organization Naveh & Liebermann: - Information Theory "The organization of - Thermodynamics complexity in landscape - Theory of Which structure and function Dissipative theories has become a central Structures are issue in contemporary - Percolation Theory landscape ecology." - Metapopulation relevant Theory for - Systems Source- ecosystem Sink Landscape - Spatial Pattern compre- Theories Analysis hension? Cybernetics Network Theory Regulation and Control Flow Analysis in in Complex Systems, Complex, Interacting Feedback Loops, Systems Homoeostasis, e.g. Electrical Circuits Optimization Ecological Modelling Trophic Stability Theory Flows, Which Conceptual Landscape Chains, and Networks and Ecosystem Models Food Webs theories Indirect Effects are relevant for ecosystem Ecosystem compre- Theories hension? Information Theory Hierarchy Theory Improbability of the Analysis of Subsystems Occurence of an Event with Asymmetric Inter- actions Syntactic, Semantic, Scales, Holons, Pragmatic Information Constraints and Filters Measures of Diversity Principles and Methods Measures of Complexity of Scale Distinction Which Ascendency theories - Total Throughflow Fundamentals for the - Flow Articulation Existence of Emergence are relevant for ecosystem A = I * T Ecosystem compre- hension? Theories Spatial Extent: High Holon Level (+1) Frequencies: Low Minor Interactions Multiple Interactions Holon Level (0) Filter Constraints Holon Level Spatial Extent: Small (-1) Frequencies: High Hierarchies and the problems of scale Synergetics Thermodynamics Detecting the Principles Analyzing Balances and of Self-Organization in Transfers of Energy Physical, Chemical, and Corresponding Biological and Human Principles Systems Self-Organization Energetic Principles of Ecosystems and of Ecological Landscapes, Self-Organization Gradients and Dissipative Structures Which Emergent Exergy, Entropy, Properties Emergy theories are Orientors relevant Principles of Undisturbed for Ecosystem Development of ecosystem Ecosystems and Theories Landscapes compre- hension?