Computer simulation of a grassland community undergoing secondary succession.

Abstract

Systems analysis techniques were utilized in identifying, defining, and quantifying the structure and controlling ecological processes and interactions of a grassland community undergoing secondary succession, and in the derivation and operation of a computer model in predicting community structure through time, during the period from January 1, 1973 through December 31, 1973, on the Ross Natural History Reservation, Lyon County, Kansas. A seven-compartment model was designed to simulate the structure and controlling ecological processes and interactions of the study community. A series of mathematical functions related to biological or environmental phenomena were developed to mimic the quantified structure and controlling ecological processes and interactions of the study community. A computer program was written, utilizing the mathematical functions, to simulate the redistribution of matter (biomass) through the system. The computer model was tested, utilizing data values derived from field measurements, separate studies, or abstracted from the literature, and results utilized to make predictions concerning community structure through time. The computer simulation was successful in approximating the structure of the study community by manipulating the controlling ecological processes and interactions of the community through time as related to biological or environmental phenomena. Community structure was expressed as biomass per unit of measure per day (g/m2/day) for live plant material, standing dead plant material, litter, birds, mammals, insects, and decomposers.