The systems ecology is a branch of ecology that focuses on the study of ecosystems, taking into account the relationship existing between each of one species and the environment that surrounds them.
Likewise, it conceives the communities that share a common space, from the holistic point of view, in which each and every one of the parts has the same degree of relevance given that they belong to an integral system.
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Systems ecology introduced an innovative concept for the study of ecosystems, based on models used in engineering that include mathematical calculation and the use of computers.
The purpose of the methodology used by systems ecology is to detect the adversities that may occur in an ecosystem, the description of its operation, as well as the prediction of future eventualities.
History
Systems ecology is recent when compared to other branches of that science. The available data points to the 1960s.
As a science, systems ecology arises after the invention of the computer, one of the main tools that has contributed to development. Eugene P. Odum was one of the main representatives and precursors of systems ecology, whom some refer to as the father of this branch of ecology.
Odum, through his work The New Ecology, dating from 1964, gave rise to the term systems ecology in that same year, date from which a great development has been experienced in this field of ecology.
The ecology of systems owes the consequent degree of specialization obtained, as well as the scope, that at present can be verified to the scientific methods used in the study of ecosystems.
These methods have been refined by systems ecologists, who have focused on improving strategies by combining various study methodologies.
Systems ecologists do not limit themselves to performing calculations for the study of ecosystems, they also include methods such as observation.
Fundamentals of general systems theory
The term general systems theory was coined by Ludwig von Bertalanffy in 1940. It is a scientific approach that conceives the set of elements that make up the object of study in its entirety.
General systems theory starts from the fact that every event under study belongs to a whole or a system with which it is continuously related.
This approach focuses on the rigorous, scientific and holistic analysis of the phenomena that are revealed in a certain setting.
And from the analysis and the phenomenological description, these results are compared from the point of view of the relationships that occur with the rest of the elements of the system to which it belongs.
All this taking as a starting point that the reality under study is an element or a part within a great totality with which feedback is continually carried out.
Object of study
The object of study of systems ecology are ecosystems from the point of view of the relationships that occur between all the organisms that comprise it.
Ecosystem being understood as all living beings that inhabit a given space, as well as all the elements that are part of the environment in which they develop.
In other words, it is a system made up of all the species that occupy the territory, considered as a population, and by all the elements that are part of the environment such as climate, water, soils, among others.
The ecology of systems for the study assumes a holistic position in which all the elements that make up the system as part of a whole have the same degree of importance.
Therefore, any alteration produced by any of the members of the system or by an external agent has the potential tendency to affect the rest of the inhabitants, as well as the system in general.
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One of the characteristics of ecosystems is that they have a balance that, when broken, can affect the entire system.
The ecology of systems is interested in knowing the functioning of ecosystems around the relationship between their members with individuals of the same species, other different species and their environment.
It is also in charge of undertaking studies in order to detect problems that may arise within the system or to predict the way in which a certain system may be affected due to the interference of an external factor.
Components of ecosystems
Ecosystems are made up of a set of individuals of various species that choose a specific space as their habitat.
In addition to the organisms that make life in ecosystems, known as biotics, certain elements are present that, although they do not have life as it is known, interact within the system.
Abiotic elements are taken as an important part of ecosystems since living beings are in constant interaction with them and can be affected in a positive or negative way.
For the systemic analysis of ecosystems, therefore, it is based on the knowledge of the complex relationships between the individuals that comprise them in order to describe them and detect possible problems.
The knowledge of the dynamics of the ecosystem allows an approach to a rigorous description that could later lead to the creation of operating laws.
Despite the fact that great advances have been made in this area, much remains to be discovered, but what is important is that scientists have already managed to predict the impact of certain elements on a certain system in a certain way.
In the same way, the hierarchical order scales within the species have been deciphered, as well as the contribution of others and the relevance of caring for the ecosystems against external and external agents that may break the fragile balance.
References
- + Environment. Ecology for all. Obtained from masambiente.wordpress.com
- Arnold, M, Osorio, F, (1998). Introduction to the basic concepts of General Systems Theory. Cinta Moebio Magazine.
- Cervantinos Studies Center. Ecology branches. The main and definitions. Obtained from centrodeestudioscervantinos.es
- Kolasa, J, (1989). Ecological systems in hierarchical perspective: Breaks in Community structure and other consequences. Ecology Magazine.
- Oxford Bibliographies. Systems ecology. Retrieved from oxfordbibliographies.com
- Systems ecology. Retrieved from Wikipedia.org