Mathematical methods to quantify and characterise the primary elements of trophic systems

Abstract

Mathematical approaches to plant characterisation are explained, there being a range of tools available to categorise and describe biological and environmental systems. Genetic algorithms (GAs) and fuzzy-logic are techniques used for multiple criteria-based decision-making. Data from a previously described algorithm are shown across an ecological continuum. Examples of the use of fuzzy logic to quantify environmental predictors are given. A fusion of techniques is proposed for the simultaneous categorisation of large numbers of plant species. The use of linguistic terms in fuzzy based systems is discussed and examples are given. Fuzzy systems use covariates of the prevailing conditions (water-energy dynamic) to guide characterisation of plants within different global environments. Knowledge guidance systems used with the technique for order similarity based on ideal situation (TOPSIS) categorise life history-based strategies of plants within trophic systems. Hybrid-techniques potential application to future research methods is given.