MEERC WORKSHOPS

Scaling Relations in Experimental Ecology

A Workshop to Explore Theoretical and Practical Considerations

Purpose:
We organized a workshop to identify fundamental scaling relations in ecology and explore how experimental research can best benefit from and contribute to the advancement of scaling theory. Towards this goal, we invited a small group of distinguished scientists, representing diverse backgrounds and interests (theoretical ecology, experimental ecosystem studies, simulation modeling and landscape ecology), and working in various habitats (terrestrial, lacustrine, fluvial, estuarine and marine). Discussions addressed a balanced mix of empirical, theoretical and practical questions. We believe that bridging the gap between scaling theory and application is key to future advances in experimental ecology. Specific goals of the workshop were as follows:

1. Identify factors regulating scale-dependent behavior, in natural and experimental ecosystems;
2. Consider how advanced in scaling theory can be used to better design and interpret experimental ecosystems; define state-of-the-art techniques available for extrapolating information across scales;
3. Evaluate the role that experimental ecology can play in advancing fundamental scaling theory;
4. Identify theoretical and empirical 'rules' relating temporal, spatial complexity scales, and identify gaps that can be filled by further empirical and theoretical analyses;
5. Consider important scaling differences between natural and experimental ecosystems in terrestrial, lacustrine, fluvial, estuarine and marine habitats;

The proceedings of this workshop will appear in a book composed of text from plenary talks, distillations of break-out group discussions, and integrative overview chapters written subsequent to the meeting date. It will be published in July 2001 by Columbia University Press in the series: Complexity in Ecological Systems.

Background
1. Scale-Dependence and the Problem of Extrapolation: Implications for Experimental and Natural Coastal Ecosystems. W. M. Kemp, J. E. Petersen and R. H. Gardner.

Scaling Theory
2. Understanding the Problem of Scale in Experimental Ecology. J. A. Wiens.
3. The Nature of the Scale Issue in Experimentation. T. F. H. Allen.
4. Spatial Allometry: Theory and Application to Experimental and Natural Aquatic Ecosystems. D. C. Schneider.

Scaling Mesocosms to Nature
5. Getting It Right and Wrong: Extrapolations Across Experimental Scales. M. L. Pace.
6. Some Reluctant Ruminations on Scales (and Claws and Teeth) in Marine Mesocosms. S. Nixon.
7. Evaluating and Modeling Foraging Performance of Planktivorous and Piscivorous Fish: Effects of Containment and Issues of Scale. M. R. Heath and E. D. Houde.
8. Experimental Validity and Ecological Scale as Criteria for Evaluating Research Programs. S. Naeem.

Scale and Experiment in Different Ecosystems
9. Scaling Issues in Experimental Ecology: Freshwater Ecosystems. T. M. Frost, R. E. Ulanowicz, S. C. Blumenshine, T. F. H. Allen, F. Taub and J.H. Rodgers, Jr.
10. Terrestrial Perspectives on Issues of Scale in Experimental Ecology. A. W. King, R. H. Gardner, C. A. Hatfield, S. Naeem, J. E. Petersen and J. A. Wiens.
11. Issues of Scale in Land-Margin Ecosystems. W. R. Boynton, J. D. Hagy and D. L. Breitburg.
12. Scaling Issues for Marine Experimental Systems: The Role of Patchiness. D. L. Scheurer, D. C. Schneider and L. P. Sanford.

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