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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Suzana G. Leles
Format: Artículo científico
Language:en
Published: Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2016
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Online Access:https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=32748476033
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Table of Contents:
  • Evaluation of the complexity and performance of marine planktonic trophic models Suzana G. Leles Jean L. Valentin Gisela M. Figueiredo Multidisciplinaria (Ciencias Naturales y Exactas) trophodynamics marine plankton model complexity ecological modelling Planktonic models represent a powerful tool for creating hypotheses and making predictions about the functioning of marine ecosystems. Their complexity varies according to the number of state variables and the choice of functional forms. We evaluated plankton models during the last 15 years (n =145) with the aims of understanding why they differ in complexity, evaluating model robustness, and describing studies of plankton modelling around the globe. We classified models into four groups: Nutrient-Phytoplankton- Zooplankton (NPZ), Nutrient-Phytoplankton-Zooplankton-Detritus (NPZD), Size-Structured (SS) and Plankton-Functional-Type (PFT). Our results revealed that the number of state variables varied according to the question being addressed: NPZ models were more frequently applied in physical-biological studies, while PFT models were more applied for investigating biogeochemical cycles. Most models were based on simple functional forms which neglect important feedback related to control of plankton dynamics. Modelling studies sometimes failed to describe sensitivity analysis, calibration and validation. The importance of testing different functional forms was commonly overlooked, and the lack of empirical data affected the verification of model robustness. Lastly, we highlight the need to develop modelling studies in the Southern Hemisphere, including Brazil, in order to provide predictions that assist the management of marine ecosystems. 2016 artículo científico 0001-3765 https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=32748476033 en http://www.redalyc.org/revista.oa?id=327 Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências application/pdf Academia Brasileira de Ciências Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências (Brasil) Num.3 Vol.88