NPTEL - Page 23 Theoretical vs. Laboratory Approach PDF
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This document discusses the theoretical and laboratory approaches in ecology, using an example of a pond with limited algae. It analyzes the factors influencing algae population in a pond.
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### Theoretical vs Laboratory Approach Now, if you go to the theoretical approach, it would begin with such a framework and would then go on and define different equations and different models through which we can understand the system. For instance, if you have prey population that is represente...
### Theoretical vs Laboratory Approach Now, if you go to the theoretical approach, it would begin with such a framework and would then go on and define different equations and different models through which we can understand the system. For instance, if you have prey population that is represented by "p" and predator population that is represented by "P", theoretical approach would ask that, if you have this prey population, it would be a function of the predator population and the existing prey population, and what would be the equation through which we can model this system. We will have an example. This system is governed by what we call as the Zotka-Volterra equations and we will have a greater look at this system in more detail in one of the later lectures. Now, the second approach to ecology is the laboratory approach. Laboratory approach uses the scientific method of formulating hypotheses and testing them through experiments. ### Example of limiting algaes in a pond To give an example, suppose we have this area. Suppose this is a pond. In this pond we are having very less amount of algae. Now the question that we could ask here is, What are the factors that are limiting the algae population in this pond? Here again we are looking at the abundance and distribution of an organism, in this case, the organism is algae. Now we are asking the question, What are the limiting factors in this pond because of which the population is less? ### Illustration of a pond The image shows a circle divided into 8 parts using 2 perpendicular lines. The circle is labeled as "Pond". The 8 parts inside the circle are further labeled with different values and terms which are not visible in the image. These values are related to the abundance of different organisms in the pond, such as: - Temp + 4 - TOP N - N + 1 - P + 2 - 9 fef - N - 6 - mg 72 - K 8 - fe 10 - mg - 1+13 - T4 There is a smaller circle labeled as "Control" to the right of the "Pond" circle.
