How do conceptual and analytical models of ecosystems compliment each other?

An ecosystem consists of all the organisms and the physical environment with which they interact. These biotic and abiotic components are linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows. Energy enters the system through photosynthesis and is incorporated into plant tissue.

• Conceptual models allow us to see a broader picture of how different ecosystems affect each other, energy sources, and different resources. The conceptual ecosystem model helps to better understand the composition and functioning of ecosystems in a particular area.
• Unfortunately, this system can serve us more as a descriptive method of observing the interaction of the system, but since it is not quantitative, it is not possible to draw any conclusions about the resilience of the system.
• Analytical models can serve as an example of how different systems will affect some intentionally induced disturbances. An example of an analytical model of the ecosystem is that ecosystems are connected to socio-economic systems through ecosystem services. Ecosystem services are affected by different changes and pressures that are also important to identify and monitor, as well as society’s responses.
• However, this way of modeling does not allow us to predict the complexity of relationships caused by conceptual modeling.