A bio-inspired computing model as a new tool for modeling ecosystems: The avian scavengers as a case study

The models used for ecosystems modeling are generally based on differential equations. However, in recent yearsnewcomputational models based on biological processes, or bioinspired models, have arisen, among which are P systems. These are inspired by the functions of cells and present important adva...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Colomer, M. Angels, Margalida, Antoni, Sanuy, Delfí, Pérez Jiménez, Mario de Jesús
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión enviada para evaluación y publicación
Fecha de publicación:2011
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repositorio:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:idus.us.es:11441/70482
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/11441/70482
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2010.09.012
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:P systems
Ecosystem
Avian scavengers
Conservation
Descripción
Sumario:The models used for ecosystems modeling are generally based on differential equations. However, in recent yearsnewcomputational models based on biological processes, or bioinspired models, have arisen, among which are P systems. These are inspired by the functions of cells and present important advantages with respect to traditional models, such as a high computational efficiency, modularity and their ability to work in parallel. They are simple, individual-based models that use biological parameters that can be obtained experimentally. In this work, we present the framework for a model based on P systems applied to the study of an ecosystem in which three avian scavengers (predators) interact with 10 wild and domestic ungulates (preys). The computation time for 100 repetitions, corresponding to 14 simulation years each, with an initial population composed of 385,422 individuals, was 30 min. Our results suggest that the model presented, based on P systems, correctly simulates the population dynamics in the period of time analyzed. We discuss the usefulness of this tool in simulating complex ecosystems dynamics to aid managers, conservationists and policy-makers in making appropriate decisions for the improvement of management and conservation programs.