ABSTRACT
Ecosystem Theory has largely developed within the Systems Analysis paradigm. The ecosystem is conceptualized as an interconnected web of biotic and abiotic components. Attention focuses on the dynamics of energy and nutrients flowing through this network. Principles of energy dissipation and mass conservation form a critical set of constraints on the positive and negative feedbacks within the system. Using this conceptualisation, the ecosystem is represented by a system of ordinary differential equations and the principles of Systems Analysis facilitate investigation of the dynamics and stability properties of the complex network.
