Abstract:
"We have developed graphical and logical models for explaining the production of a consumer on the basis of the capacity of an ecosystem to produce that consumer (the productivity of the system for that consumer), on the basis of the biomass of the consumer, and on the basis of the age structure of the consumer. These models involve density phenomena occurring at all trophic steps from light and plant nutrients up to and including the particular consumer,as well as trophic pathways in competition with the path leading to this consumer. These density phenomena and pathways can be used to model the productivity of the system for a particular consumer, with the biomass and age structure
of the consumer population as the other determinants of its production. We are now developing formal mathematical models based on responses of individual organisms and leading to our empirically and logically
derived models. Preliminary mathematical formulations are being used through a computer program to determine whether output relations are logically and empirically confirmed. In addition, data from various
sources are being assembled so that we can synthesize an idealized sockeye lake system and an idealized salmonid stream system."--Introduction.
