Object-oriented ecosystem modelling

Abstract

Object-oriented programming (OOP) provides an intuitively natural way to approach ecosystem modelling. The basic concepts of OOP are similar to those underlying the biological sciences, and the techniques used for dealing with the internal structure of objects are appropriate for resolving the problems of hierarchical structure that arise in ecological and other types to complex systems. Even the structure of OOP ecosystem models has a strong resemblance to the structure of the systems being modelled. The relevant principles of OOP are discussed in an ecological context, and the application of OOP to ecosystem modelling is illustrated with several object-oriented models and code segments to show how OOP can simplify model development and modification. © 1993.