Modelling and characterization of complex structures and dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems

NSERC的发现研究计划是基于对生态复杂性的研究。我们通过应用复杂系统研究的理论和方法，以及生态信息学中新的定量方法的发展，来探索生态系统中复杂结构和动力学的性质和起源。通过将生态系统研究为复杂系统，其长期目标是促进对自然系统结构和动力学的科学理解，以便我们能够更有效地管理人与环境的相互作用。目前我们研究活动的重点是陆地系统中生态复杂性的建模和表征。我们的短期目标解决了该领域的两个关键挑战：1)在多个空间和时间尺度上表征生态系统中的复杂结构和动力学，以及，2)通过建模来理解这些结构和动力学出现的机制(即，寻找模式和过程之间的关系)。在接下来的5年里，我们计划通过以下方式应对这些挑战：1)开发可应用于生态数据的空间、时间和时空复杂性的新测量方法；2)开发和使用基于个体的和其他自下而上的生态系统模型，以探索不同尺度(例如，基因、个体、社区、景观)的过程之间的关系。通过这项研究计划，我们的目标是开发更好的生态指标和更合适的生态系统管理、恢复和保护方法。

This NSERC discovery research program is based on the study of ecological complexity. We investigate the nature and origins of complex structures and dynamics in ecological systems through the application of theories and methods from the study of complex systems and the development of novel quantitative approaches in ecological informatics. By studying ecosystems as complex systems, the long-term goal is to advance scientific understanding of the structure and dynamics of natural systems so that we can more effectively manage human-environmental interactions. The current focus of our research activities is the modelling and characterisation of ecological complexity in terrestrial systems. Our short-term objectives address two key challenges in the field: 1) characterising complex structures and dynamics in ecological systems over multiple spatial and temporal scales, and, 2) understanding the mechanisms responsible for the appearance of these structures and dynamics (i.e., searching for relationships between pattern and process) through modelling. Over the next 5 years, we plan to address these challenges by: 1) developing new measures of spatial, temporal and spatiotemporal complexity that can be applied to ecological data, and 2) developing and using individual-based and other "bottom-up" models of ecosystems to explore the relationships between processes at different scales (e.g., gene, individual, community, landscape). Through this research program, we aim to develop better ecological indicators and more appropriate methods of ecosystem management, restoration and protection.