Mathematical and statistical formulation of an ecological model with applications

• Published in: Ecological modelling Vol. 101; no. 1; pp. 27 - 40
• Main Authors: Usó-Domènech, J.L., Mateu, J., Lopez, J.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.08.1997
• Subjects: Differential equations; ECOLOGIA; ECOLOGIE; ECOLOGY; ECOSISTEMA; ECOSYSTEME; ECOSYSTEMS; Flow equations; MODELE DE SIMULATION; MODELOS DE SIMULACION; SIMULATION MODELS; Statistical regression; Statistical regression; Flow equations; Ecosystems; Differential equations
• ISSN: 0304-3800; 1872-7026
• DOI: 10.1016/S0304-3800(97)01946-7

In many cases, modelling of ecosystems results from the setting up of a system of ordinary, non-linear differential equations whose flow variables are functions obtained from experimental data. In this paper we develop a new methodology based on choosing a set of functions so that we are able to adjust their linear combination using multiple linear regression. Choosing these functions, however, implies the prior consideration of a finite set of analytical functions of ‘elementary type’ and then analyse their compositions up to an order n, which will be called ‘n-transformed’. These transformed functions are the ones which will then be adjusted. As an application of this new methodology the Mariola model is considered.