A model is a representation of something, mostly at a scale that is smaller than the original. Most often, models built for objects or processes when they are partially comprehended, and difficult to perceive directly. In science, models are used for reference purposes and are crucial because they simply the understanding of the real phenomenon. Hypothesis and models are very similar in science, and there is no much difference between them especially with regard to their intended purposes. Models are the hypothesis of the nature of the phenomenon in question. It's, however, important to note that not every hypothesis is related to a model . Sometimes, hypotheses cover other aspects apart from the nature of things, as compared to most models. Consequently, these sorts of theories allude either to the presence or absence of a phenomenon.
When models are used as a descriptive index for an ecosystem, it can be a challenging task due to several reasons. The tools used in such modeling are sometimes difficult to work with and can be unfriendly especially to new users. Likewise, the results from such models are difficult to understand and sometimes make the original phenomenon more complicated.
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In the topic of community dynamics, biological societies comprise of associating or conceivably interfacing species in the same environment. In the community, the immediate relationships between species are separated into five classifications. These include;
Predation: In this relationship, one species is the predator and mainly depends on another species, the prey for its survival. It kills the prey, feeding on it. The methods of capture used by the predators vary. Similarly, the prey avoids capture by the predator using various methods. An example is the relationship that exists between a Lion and a Buffalo , in which the former hunts for the latter and feeds on it.
Competition: In this classification, different species compete for shared resources in order to survive. An example of competition is where Buffalos and Zebras compete for grass. The competition may not be direct but instead, both species make the grass inadequate for each other. Alternatively, the rivalry may include direct obstruction, similar to when a plant secretes chemicals from its underlying foundations to keep different plants from developing around it. The more comparable two species in a group are, the more aggressive they are with each other, battling for constrained assets.
Parasitism: In this category, one species takes advantage of another species without killing it. As a result, one species is disadvantaged by the other. An example is where a tick sucks blood from another animal such as a dog. In this case, the tick is a parasite, and the dog is the host. The host is affected since, in most cases, it ends up losing blood to the parasite.
Mutualism: This relationship involves at least two species and both benefit due to their interaction. Bees are the most common examples in this category. They are attracted by flowers from which they get nectar. While moving to different plants, they complete the process of pollination and therefore, both the plans and bees benefit in this interaction.
Commensalism: In this relationship, interaction is involved but unlike mutualism, one species benefits while the other one doesn’t benefit. However, the species that doesn’t benefit is not affected by the relationship. Nearly all birds living in the wild use trees and other plants to build their nests. In this case, the birds get shelter and shade from the trees. However, the trees and other plants do not benefit from this interaction. Likewise, they are not affected by the relationship.
The different nutrients that are cycled in the ecosystem include oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. For instance, carbon dioxide is cycled between animals and plants. Plants require this nutrient during the day to complete the process of photosynthesis. The process of photosynthesis requires other components such as sunlight. On the other hand, animals breathe out carbon dioxide and breathe in oxygen that is given out by plants. As a result, plants use the carbon dioxide emitted by animals in the process of photosynthesis. Despite this, various human activities can disrupt nutrient cycling. An example is where the use of fossil fuels leads to pollution of the environment. Fossil fuels are used to generate electricity. In the process of such production, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere interfering with the carbon dioxide cycle. This is due to a loss of the equilibrium in such an environment whereby the amounts of carbon dioxide exceed the recommended levels. It is this phenomenon that has led to a rise in global warming, which has been labeled a threat to humanity.
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