"Experimental and Modelling Approaches to Understanding Macroecological Patterns"Rogers, TimMacroecology takes up the ambitious challenge of identifying and understanding the unifying characteristics of ecological communities. Given the complexities involved in such an undertaking (be it the difficulty of acquiring and analysing adequate data, or the formidable task of performing a theoretical analysis of models with intricate behaviours), macroecology remains a richly active field of interest with many cross-disciplinary perspectives being brought to bear. The proposed mini-symposium seeks to bring together researchers employing both data-driven and modelling approaches to unravel the complexities of macroecological patterns. In the spirit of MMEE, we aim to showcase the range of tools available to theorists and data-driven researchers alike, and ultimately shed a little light on the underlying mechanisms shaping biodiversity, community dynamics, and ecosystem functioning. Themes: 1. Integration of Experimental and Modelling Frameworks: - Explore how experimental data and modelling techniques can be complementary forces for bridging the gap between observational patterns and mechanistic understanding. - Discuss innovative methods for integrating experimental designs into ecological models to enhance the predictive power of macroecological models. 2. Advances in Macroecological Modelling: - Present recent developments in modelling approaches, including for example those that take into account factors like explicit physical space, trophic/food-web structure, or demographic fluctuations. - Successes and failures: How do classic ecological models succeed in capturing macroecological patterns of interest, and how can they be improved when they don’t? 3. Case Studies and Success Stories: - Feature exemplary case studies where the combination of experimental and modelling approaches has provided novel insights into macroecological patterns. - Discuss success stories that highlight how collaborative efforts have overcome challenges in studying complex ecological systems. Target Audience: This mini-symposium is designed for ecologists, modelers, and researchers with a keen interest in macroecology, biodiversity, and ecosystem dynamics/stability. The interdisciplinary nature of the symposium will encourage cross-pollination of ideas, fostering a holistic understanding of macroecological patterns. |
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