ABSTRACT
Ecological systems are inherently complicated, interacting systems composed of biological and physical components that are so complex that some ecologists believe they cannot be understood (Egler, 1977). However, management and policy decisions require information on the status, condition, and trends of these complex ecosystems and their components. Scientists often become mired in the details about what exactly should be measured, what spatial scale should be studied, how frequently measurements should be taken, and how much data should be accumulated before recommendations are presented to decision makers. Those ecologists who are more oriented to problem solving point out that every detail of an ecosystem does not have to be understood in order to make reasonably intelligent decisions about how to manage and conserve sensitive or valued resources.
