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A Hierarchical Framework for the Analysis of Scale by R. V. O'Neill; A. R. Johnson; A. W. King is a Environmental Science article available to read on EtoBox.

What is A Hierarchical Framework for the Analysis of Scale about?

Landscapes are complex ecological systems that operate over broad spatiotemporal scales. Hierarchy theory conceptualizes such systems as composed of relatively isolated levels, each operating at a distinct time and space scale. This paper explores some basic properties of scaled systems with a view toward taking advantage of the scaled structure in predicting system dynamics. Three basic properties are explored: (1) hierarchical structuring, (2) disequilibrium, and (3) metastability. These three properties lead to three conclusions about complex ecological systems. First, predictions about landscape dynamics can often be based on constraints that directly result from scaled structure. Biotic potential and environmental limits form a constraint envelope, analogous to a niche hypervolume, within which the landscape system must operate. Second, within the constraint envelope, thermodynamic and other limiting factors may produce attractors toward which individual landscapes will tend to move. Third, because of changes in biotic potential and environmental conditions, both the constraint envelope and the local attractors change through time. Changes in the constraint structure may invol

Who reads A Hierarchical Framework for the Analysis of Scale?

Author

R. V. O'Neill; A. R. Johnson; A. W. King

Publisher

Springer; Springer-Verlag; Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers; Springer Science and Business Media LLC (ISSN 0921-2973)

Published

1989

Language

EN

Field

Environmental Science (Physical Sciences)