Mathematical Modeling

Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research. http://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=197. Retrieved 2/2/2013.

What is a Model?

• Fashion models are representations of the ‘ideal’ man or woman

• Toys• Teddy bears• Architects’ scale buildings • Road maps• Depictions of ecological systems

Models

1. Represent a “real thing”2. Share important characteristics with the thing they represent 3. Are simpler than the real thing4. Are constructed from mathematical tools such as formulae,

equations, tables and graphs 5. Are simplified and make assumptions about the situation we

are modeling6. Can be used to make predictions

Examples of projects using ecological mathematical modeling:

http://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=1978