Modelling in Ecology

Computer simulations in ecology and evolution facilitate the identification of causal processes that link large-scale temporal and spatial patterns such as phenology or regional distribution of species communities with the behaviour of individuals. We use the programming language R to implement different simulation techniques and modelling methods. By relating the basic processes of foraging, reproduction, death, movement, and dispersal to population and environmental characteristics, we develop tools (first week), which can then be combined in student projects in the second week, such as “Effects of harvesting strategies on hamster survival”, “Optimal emergence timing of butterflies”, “Colony cycles under climate change”, or a problem of your choice.