The process, either mathematically or in the human brain, of creating an internal version of something that we can refer to, to better understand how it functions and our place within.
Scientific modelling is where we take the best knowledge we have and build a version of what will happen, if we assume certain parameters. For example, we might model movement of animals near roads, one of the parameters being the likelihood of an animal being hit by a car, or the propensity of birds to avoid noisy roads and nest further away. Models can be powerful ways of imitating nature and visualising the risk we pose to wildlife and ecosystemsHow ecosystems function An ecosystem is a community of lifeforms that interact in such an optimal way that how ecosystems function best, is when all components (including humans and other animals) can persist and live alongside each other for the longest time possible. Ecosystems are fuelled by the energy created by plants (primary producers) that convert the Sun's heat energy More.
Our brains model the environment outside so we can behaviourally function(Of an ecosystem). A subset of ecosystem processes and structures, where the ecosystem does something that provides an ecosystem service of value to people. More. For example, you can walk out of a dark room at night and into the bathroom, knowing where to find the light switch. Your brain creates a virtual representation of your world which allows you to function without having to constantly monitor everything at once (which would be mind-numbing). In the same way as scientific model accuracy improves with time and changes due to outside effects, your brain constantly recalibrates for changes. If the parking restrictions alter in your neighbourhood, your brain will record that so you don’t get fined next time.
Models work on inference and because it is the way animal brains work and whole ecosystems operate, it makes sense to use a similar approach to understanding ecosystem. Rather than try to constantly reabsorb all the data in complex systems, it makes more sense to simply know ‘where the light switch is’. In other words, it’s better to assume that an ecosystem is healthier with animals, than try to prove the precise role of animals in an ecosystem. We monitor for the existence of animals, then adjust the environment to create that effect, because it is good for us.
