Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 17 Jul 2003 to 18 Jul 2003 (#2003-181)
There are 10 messages totalling 514 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. Rhopalomyia californica populations
2. difference between SAS and R? (3)
3. Pan-American Roundtable at VIIth Neotropical Ornithological Congress
4. Postdoctoral position in science and education =?ISO-8859-1?Q?=96?= Uta
State University
5. Eco-Math
6. Position Announcement: Butterfly Conservation Initiative Coordinator
7. Faculty Research Associate Opening - Northwest Minnesota
8. Natural Resources Tourism Program Associate -- Northwest Minnesota
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2003 21:58:59 -0700
From: kaa-vks@SONIC.NET
Subject: Rhopalomyia californica populations
Hello Californians,
I am attempting to do a study on population densities of midges (Rhopalomyia
californica) throughout the Bay Area, California. Midges create and develop
inside of galls on coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis). I am having
difficulties finding very many galls, and thus I implore you to look (in
your backyard, on a hike, etc.) for them, and let me know if you see any. I
would really appreciate it [my research depends on it]! Please email me if
more information is needed.
Thanks again,
Vanessa Schmidt
vanessa@kaa.com
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2003 08:28:48 -0700
From: Jere Boudell <jboudell@ASU.EDU>
Subject: difference between SAS and R?
Thank you to all who replied to my original post concerning the
differences between SAS and R. You've given me quite a bit of
information. Perhaps I will try both.
thanks again,
Jere Boudell
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2003 15:31:43 -0400
From: Robert Froese <robert.froese@TAGANOV.COM>
Subject: Re: difference between SAS and R?
For a general introduction I think "An introduction to R" is pretty good:
http://cran.r-project.org/doc/manuals/R-intro.pdf
It does have a function and variable index, though there is more to R than i
found in this document. Gaining the skills to take full advantage of the
capabilities of any software package isn't straightforward. Though you can
get SAS manuals with nearly (if not completely) every tidbit explained, you
still have to wade through piles of paper in a random search to determine if
a particular tool might be applicable to the task you're attempting. The "R
Reference Index" might function the same way.
It's nice that there are so many packaged books for SAS - like "the SAS syst
m
for linear models" or "the SAS system for elementary statistical analysis".
I'm speculating, but the R community seems more hands-on with their data
analysis. After all, R itself is open-source and many, many R packages are
developed by users and then turned back into the community. There are some
notable R texts, too, like Pinheiro and Bates' Mixed-effects models book and
the well-known text by Venables and Ripley.
Most of my colleagues learned SAS as graduate students. They were handed a
CD, some of their Professor's code, and perhaps the SAS Procedures guide.
They banged their heads on it, and absorbed the wisdom of their fellow
graduate students. We all learned R the same way, but it was free, we could
download it onto our home computers, and there is no way in SAS to make
pretty (and informative) plots as simply as there is in R.
Cheers,
...Robert
On Thursday 17 July 2003 10:24 am, you wrote:
> I would like to weigh in on the S discussion with a question for all yo
S
> and R users out there. I've dabbled in programming from fortran and pa
cal
> to Vbasic but have found S insufferable. The texts available seem to b
> published in some other language than English and may even originate on
> another planet. Does anyone know of a GOOD reference manual for S. I'v
> already wasted hundred$ on the standard ones written by the inventors a
d
> the "blue" book. I'm looking for something along the lines of "S for
> dummies". Is there a book that can tell you " what does this command d
?"
> and why do I have to use so many dummy matrices to parse and sort my da
a?
>
> Thanks
>
> David
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2003 16:57:46 -0400
From: "George E. Wallace" <gwallace@ABCBIRDS.ORG>
Subject: Pan-American Roundtable at VIIth Neotropical Ornithological Congres
The PARTNERS IN FLIGHT PAN-AMERICAN ROUNDTABLE will be held during the =
VIIth
Neotropical Ornithological Congress, Parque Nacional Puyehue, Chile =
(6-11
October 2003). A forum for the discussion of bird conservation in Latin
America and the Caribbean, the Roundtable is organized by the American =
Bird
Conservancy in coordination with the International Working Group of =
Partners
in Flight. The meeting is open to everyone with an interest in bird
conservation in Latin America and the Caribbean. This Roundtable will
feature news and updates on the latest developments in bird conservation =
and
a "mini-symposium" on the Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE): A =
site-based
approach to conserving the World's most imperiled vertebrate species. =
This
symposium will present an overview of the initiative and four =
presentations
on AZE sites throughout the Neotropics.
=20
The Roundtable would benefit greatly from your input. Approximately two
hours will be devoted to conservation news and updates from around Latin
America and the Caribbean. If you would like to contribute to the =
meeting by
giving a presentation on some aspect of bird conservation (news, policy
issues, or project updates), please contact George E. Wallace, American =
Bird
Conservancy, gwallace@abcbirds.org, Tel: 540-253-5780 Fax: 540-253-5782.
=20
George E. Wallace, PhD
Director of International Programs
American Bird Conservancy
P.O. Box 249, 4249 Loudoun Avenue
The Plains, VA 20198 USA
Tel: 540-253-5780
Fax: 540-253-5782
E-mail: gwallace@abcbirds.org=20
On the Web at www.abcbirds.org=20
=20
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2003 09:39:18 -0500
From: Brian Aukema <aukema@ENTOMOLOGY.WISC.EDU>
Subject: difference between SAS and R?
Hello,
I am finishing graduate programs in both biometry and entomology, and, as
such, tend to get caught in the cross-fire between R users (predominantly
statisticians) and SAS users (predominantly ecologists) regularly. I like
and use both. SAS tends to be a little more cut and dried, and if you want
to do a simple ANOVA, it's fast and easy. I find the graphics leave a lot
to be desired, however, such as the ability to first graph complex data to
see how it's behaving, or check residual plots from models. R is
superflexible and makes graphing even complex data a snap. It is free, and
because of the contributed packages and help list, difficult analyses can
become relatively easy. I have found R developers take the Correct Way to
do statistics very seriously, and the bias may show up in output (ex: SAS
gives Type I and III Sums of Squares, R default is Type I (but you can
wrestle Type III from it, rightly or wrongly)). The Intro to R manual on
the web and Dalgaard's "Intro to R" book are quite accessible. I do think
the initial learning curve is steeper for R than SAS, but in my view it
pays off. If you like a graphical user interface, John Fox has just
developed the Rcmdr package.
Brian Aukema
Department of Entomology
University of Wisconsin - Madison
345 Russell Labs
1630 Linden Drive
Madison, WI 53706
Tel: 608-262-4755
Fax: 608-262-3322
Email: aukema@entomology.wisc.edu
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2003 13:11:08 -0400
From: Michael White <mikew@CC.USU.EDU>
Subject: Postdoctoral position in science and education =?ISO-8859-1?Q?=96?=
Utah State University
The College of Natural Resources at Utah State University seeks applicants
for a two-year postdoctoral position in science and education. Desired
background includes programming skills in C/IDL, image processing, GIS,
remote sensing, and education/outreach interests. The main task (50-60%
effort) will be to organize, plan, and execute an intensive field campaign
using student scientists in the GLOBE program (www.globe.gov). Field
research will be conducted in Iowa. The successful candidate will be
required to interact extensively with other GLOBE principal investigators,
students, teachers, and community leaders. Remaining effort will be devoted
to remote sensing, modeling, and field measurement of vegetation phenology
using GLOBE protocols. Support is available for two years at an annual
salary of $36,000 with start date of August/September 2003. Applicants
should send a CV, a statement of research and educational interests and
approaches, and the names and contact information of three references by
August 15, 2003, to: Michael White (mikew@cc.usu.edu).
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2003 10:22:56 -0700
From: "Warren W. Aney" <aney@TELESTREAM.COM>
Subject: Eco-Math
How useful and basic is mathematics in the field of ecology? I'm not
talking about just using mathematics (and statistics) to describe, model,
and test. I'm talking about the basic idea posed by Edward O. Wilson that
there is a natural body of mathematics that will serve as a natural language
for biology and hints that mathematics may even provide a bridge that
unifies all sciences (Consilience, pp. 103-104, 212-214).
An article by Max Tegmark in the May issue of Scientific American discusses
the correspondence between mathematics and physics (and, presumably, natural
sciences in general) and how it goes back to Greek philosophy:
"According to the Aristotelian paradigm physical reality is fundamental and
mathematical language is merely a useful approximation. According to the
Platonic paradigm, the mathematical structure is the true reality and
observers percieve it imperfectly." (page 49)
Elsewhere in the article Tegmark says that scientists discover mathematical
structures rather than create them and quotes physicist Eugene P. Wigner:
"the enormous usefulness of mathematics in the natural sciences is something
bordering on the mysterious."
I guess I tend to have an Aristotelian view of mathematics, but E. O. Wilson
probably has advanced to the Platonic view. I could expand on this, but I'd
like to hear other viewpoints instead.
Warren W. Aney
Senior Wildlife Ecologist
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2003 17:52:11 -0400
From: Lori Hidinger <lori@ESA.ORG>
Subject: Position Announcement: Butterfly Conservation Initiative Coordinato
BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION INITIATIVE COORDINATOR
The Butterfly Conservation Initiative (BFCI) is a program of the
American Zoo and Aquarium Association, operated in conjunction with and
supported by BFCI members, contributors, and partners. BFCI seeks a
Coordinator to develop and implement priority projects and to support
the ongoing efforts of this multi-organizational collaboration.
Primary responsibilities include facilitating communication and
cooperation among the various partners, members, and individuals
represented in the BFCI; assisting BFCI participants in information
gathering and dissemination efforts; managing fiscal responsibilities
for the Initiative, including grant research, writing, administration
and compliance; assisting BFCI Steering Committee, partners, and members
in setting priorities for butterfly recovery, habitat conservation,
conservation education and outreach; providing administrative support
for Initiative organization and functions; recruiting new members and
partners; representing BFCI at butterfly recovery-related meetings;
coordinating and maintaining information resources, including databases,
listservs and Web resources.
Qualifications: Master's degree in a related field; experience
developing and managing multiple projects, budgets and grants; strong
facilitation and time-management skills; excellent written and oral
communication skills; self-starter. Web site, database management
skills and a background in environmental policy a plus. Salary
commensurate with experience. Initial funding is available for one
year.
Electronic applications are encouraged and should be sent to:
bfci@aza.org. Include cover letter, resume and salary requirements.
No calls. BFCI, c/o American Zoo and Aquarium Association, 8403
Colesville Road, Suite 710, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3314. FAX:
301-562-0888; EOE. www.aza.org
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2003 17:19:28 -0500
From: "Loegering, John" <JLoegeri@MAIL.CRK.UMN.EDU>
Subject: Faculty Research Associate Opening - Northwest Minnesota
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT - UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Natural Resources Department, Center for Agriculture and Natural
Resources
Search activities are underway for the following position. Please
circulate this position announcement and distribute it to the
appropriate faculty and others who may be acquainted with potential
candidates. The University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) offers
technology-based polytechnic baccalaureate and associate degree
programs. UMC issues notebook computers to full-time students and
incorporates technology into the coursework. For additional information
visit our web site at www.crk.umn.edu.
APPOINTMENT: Grant funded full-time position as Research Assistant
Professor / Faculty Research Associate / Research Instructor.
University classification: Research Assistant Professor #9403R, or
Research Instructor #9404R, or Research Assistant - rank dependent on
qualifications.
LOCATION: Natural Resources Department, UMC, Crookston, MN 56716-5001
SALARY: $28,000 to 36,000 per year, depending on qualifications plus
university benefits package.
APPLICATION: Opening Date: 15 July 2003. Review of applications will
begin on 16 August 2003 and will continue until position is filled.
PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT: Starting Date: 18 August 2003 or as soon as
possible thereafter. Funding is for 18 months. Annual renewal
contingent upon satisfactory performance.
ABOUT THE PROJECT: This position is with the Nature Northwest Project
to inventory, assess, and promote nature-based recreation in
northwestern Minnesota. Inventory efforts are nearly complete; this
position will focus on the promotion efforts. For more information, see
http://www.nature-northwest.org/. Additional opportunities are
available in natural resource teaching, outreach, or research at the
University of Minnesota, Crookston, especially in water resources. The
Natural Resources Department at the University of Minnesota, Crookston
(UMC) enrolls approximately 130 undergraduate students in five emphases.
Class sizes are typically less than 25. UMC emphasizes active,
"hands-on" classroom environments and applied land and water management.
PRIMARY DUTIES:
1. Distribute inventory findings in conjunction with the Project
Director. Update inventory based on community feedback. Compile
information electronically and in writing and visit sites as needed. 2.
Promote tourism and recreation in northwest Minnesota. Development of
marketing products. 3. Lead assembly, layout, and writing in conjunction
with the Project Director of the Nature Guide to Northwest Minnesota. 4.
Develop, maintain, or coordinate maintenance and design of Nature
Northwest web site, depending on individual skills. 5. Continue to
assemble inventory information in an established geographic information
system. 6. Organize, lead, or participate in community workshops to
promote project results and natural resource stewardship in NW
Minnesota. 7. Teach in the Natural Resources Department of the Center
for Agriculture and Natural Resources (approximately 0.125 FTE), pending
interest and qualifications.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: M.S. degree in applied aspects of Fisheries,
Wildlife, Biology, Zoology, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource
Management, Environmental Science, or related field; experience managing
large databases; familiarity with geographic information systems;
demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in
writing, with individual scientists & citizens.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D., one advanced degree in fisheries
management; ability to work with the public in promoting/managing
water-based recreation and promoting resource stewardship and interest
in creating/designing educational material for the public; strong
interpersonal skills; demonstrated experience with geographic
information systems, including mapping features, importing and editing
coverages, modifying feature attributes, and generating synthetic
output; experience with web site creation, design, and management,
especially web-based data storage and retrieval systems.
APPLICATION PROCESS: A complete application consists of (1) letter of
application, which should address your qualifications and aspirations as
they relate to the specific duties and qualifications described, (2)
professional resume or curriculum vitae, (3) copy of university
transcripts, and (4) a list of three references who are familiar with
your professional experience and qualifications. Include full
addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses. Submit to: Dr. John
P. Loegering, Nature Northwest Project Director/Assistant Professor,
Natural Resources, University of Minnesota, Crookston, 2900 University
Avenue, Crookston, MN 56716-5001. Telephone: (218) 281-8132, Fax:
(218) 281-8050, E-mail: jloegeri@umn.edu, Website:
http://www.crk.umn.edu/academics/NatR. Review of applications will
begin on 16 August 2003 and will continue until position is filled.
Full details are available at
http://www.nature-northwest.org/indexContact.htm.
THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA IS AN AA/EO EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2003 17:19:48 -0500
From: "Loegering, John" <JLoegeri@MAIL.CRK.UMN.EDU>
Subject: Natural Resources Tourism Program Associate -- Northwest Minnesota
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT - UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Natural Resources Department, Center for Agriculture and Natural
Resources
Search activities are underway for the following position. Please
circulate this position announcement and distribute it to the
appropriate faculty and others who may be acquainted with potential
candidates. The University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) offers
technology-based polytechnic baccalaureate and associate degree
programs. UMC issues notebook computers to full-time students and
incorporates technology into the coursework. For additional information
visit our web site at www.crk.umn.edu.
APPOINTMENT: Grant funded full-time position as Tourism Program
Associate, University classification #8208.
LOCATION: Natural Resources Department, UMC, Crookston, MN 56716-5001
SALARY: $26,000 to 30,000 per year, depending on qualifications plus
university benefits package.
APPLICATION: Opening Date: 15 July 2003. Review of applications will
begin on 16 August 2003 and will continue until position is filled.
PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT: Starting Date: 18 August 2003 or until the
position is filled, funding for 18 - 24 months. Annual renewal
contingent upon satisfactory performance.
ABOUT THE PROJECT: This position is a Tourism/Recreation Program
Associate in the Nature Northwest Project to inventory, assess, and
promote nature-based recreation in northwestern Minnesota. Inventory
efforts are nearly complete; this position will focus on promotion
efforts. For more information, see http://www.nature-northwest.org/.
Additional opportunities are available in natural resource teaching,
outreach, or research at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The
Natural Resources Department at the University of Minnesota, Crookston
(UMC) enrolls approximately 130 undergraduate students in five emphases.
Class sizes are typically less than 25. UMC emphasizes active,
"hands-on" classroom environments and applied land and water management.
Teaching opportunities consistent with candidate's interests also are
possible with this position, especially related to water resources.
PRIMARY DUTIES:
1. Promote tourism and recreation in northwest Minnesota. Development
of marketing products. 2. Lead assembly, layout, and writing in
conjunction with the Project Director of the Nature Guide to Northwest
Minnesota. 3. Distribute inventory findings in conjunction with the
Project Director. Update inventory based on community feedback.
Compile information electronically and in writing and visit sites as
needed. 4. Develop, maintain, or coordinate maintenance and design of
Nature Northwest web site, depending on individual skills. 5. Continue
to assemble inventory information in an established geographic
information system. 6. Organize, lead, or participate in community
workshops to promote project results and natural resource stewardship in
NW Minnesota.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. degree in natural resources, tourism,
recreation, journalism, marketing, business management, English, or
related fields and significant experience; demonstrated ability to
communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with individual
scientists & citizens, experience managing large databases; familiarity
with geographic information systems.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Demonstrated ability to work with the public
in promoting and marketing recreation and tourism as well as promoting
resource stewardship; demonstrated writing experience, preferably in
recreation or tourism; strong interpersonal skills; interest in
creating/designing educational material for the public; demonstrated
experience with geographic information systems, including mapping
features, importing and editing coverages, modifying feature attributes,
and generating synthetic output; experience with web site creation,
design, and management; experience with graphical tools for publication
production; water resources experience, M.S. or Ph.D. in related field.
APPLICATION PROCESS: A complete application consists of (1) the
compulsory UMC Application for Employment (forms may be obtained at 121A
Selvig Hall, by calling (218) 281-8346, or on-line at
http://webhome.crk.umn.edu/~ljohnson/HR/commonHRforms.htm), (2) letter
of application, which should address your qualifications and aspirations
as they relate to the specific duties and qualifications described, (3)
professional resume or curriculum vitae, (4) copy of university
transcripts, and (5) a list of three references who are familiar with
your professional experience and qualifications. Include full
addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses. Submit to: Jacquie
Normandin, 121A Selvig Hall, University of Minnesota, Crookston, 2900
University Avenue, Crookston, MN 56716-5001.
For questions about the position, contact Dr. John P. Loegering, Nature
Northwest Project Director/Assistant Professor, Natural Resources,
University of Minnesota, Crookston, 2900 University Avenue, Crookston,
MN 56716-5001. Telephone: (218) 281-8132, Fax: (218) 281-8050, E-mail:
jloegeri@umn.edu, Website: http://www.crk.umn.edu/academics/NatR.
Review of applications will begin on August 16, 2003 and will continue
until position is filled.
Full details are available at
http://www.nature-northwest.org/indexContact.htm.
THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA IS AN AA/EO EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER
------------------------------
Reply-To: "Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news"
<ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
To: Recipients of ECOLOG-L digests <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 18 Jul 2003 to 19 Jul 2003 (#2003-182)
There are 3 messages totalling 198 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. Eco-Math (2)
2. lab-tech intern/Harvard Forest/ 9/03-5/04
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2003 17:48:39 -0700
From: Patrick Foley <patfoley@CSUS.EDU>
Subject: Re: Eco-Math
Warren,
Mathematics is very powerful in physics because the laws of physics are
simple. Ecology, while ultimately dependent on physics, is far too messy
to follow simple axioms and provide exact results.
As Burnham and Anderson point out in their 2002 book, Model Selection
and Multimodel Inference, the actual number of degrees of freedom in
ecological models is so large that it might as well be infinite. Our
attempts to use parsimony as a guide are often just dumb (that's me
speaking not B and A, I think). Often the most elegant and beautiful
theory is the correct one in physics. Not so, in ecology.
Patrick Foley (ecologist and recovering mathematician)
patfoley@csus.edu
Warren W. Aney wrote:
>How useful and basic is mathematics in the field of ecology? I'm not
>talking about just using mathematics (and statistics) to describe, model
>and test. I'm talking about the basic idea posed by Edward O. Wilson th
t
>there is a natural body of mathematics that will serve as a natural lang
age
>for biology and hints that mathematics may even provide a bridge that
>unifies all sciences (Consilience, pp. 103-104, 212-214).
>
>An article by Max Tegmark in the May issue of Scientific American discus
es
>the correspondence between mathematics and physics (and, presumably, nat
ral
>sciences in general) and how it goes back to Greek philosophy:
>
>"According to the Aristotelian paradigm physical reality is fundamental
nd
>mathematical language is merely a useful approximation. According to th
>Platonic paradigm, the mathematical structure is the true reality and
>observers percieve it imperfectly." (page 49)
>
>Elsewhere in the article Tegmark says that scientists discover mathemati
al
>structures rather than create them and quotes physicist Eugene P. Wigner
>"the enormous usefulness of mathematics in the natural sciences is somet
ing
>bordering on the mysterious."
>
>I guess I tend to have an Aristotelian view of mathematics, but E. O. Wi
son
>probably has advanced to the Platonic view. I could expand on this, but
I'd
>like to hear other viewpoints instead.
>
>Warren W. Aney
>Senior Wildlife Ecologist
>
>
>
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 19 Jul 2003 11:21:19 -0700
From: Jonathan Greenberg <greenberg@UCDAVIS.EDU>
Subject: Re: Eco-Math
Along these lines, has anyone had a chance to read the Wolfram phonebook yet
("A new kind of science" -- I need to apply for a grant to afford it)? As I
understand the premise from talks I've heard about his thesis, the real
issue is not that the mathematics of biological/ecological systems are
difficult, it is more an issue of the problems of cellular automata and
chaos: the basic ruleset of the universe is relatively simple, but the
behavior of systems given these simple rules become exceedingly complex?
Should much more emphasis be given to the determination of these rules than
focusing on the emergent properties? Do these rules exist (I think they do,
personally)?
Along these lines, how much of the "complexity" of integrating math with
ecology comes from the use of essentially human constructs of, for example
(and I'm hoping to not turn this into a debate on my following statement)
communities, ecosystems, taxonomy, etc... when we try to do modeling based
on things that don't REALLY exist beyond being essentially a semantic idea,
we end up with a model that will never be a law, rather, a statistical
abstraction of the "real" truth.
My two cents (kaching, kaching).
-j
--
Jonathan Greenberg
Graduate Group in Ecology, U.C. Davis
http://www.cstars.ucdavis.edu/~jongreen
http://www.cstars.ucdavis.edu
AIM: jgrn307 or jgrn3007
MSN: jgrn307@msn.com or jgrn3007@msn.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Patrick Foley
Sent: Friday, July 18, 2003 5:49 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: Eco-Math
Warren,
Mathematics is very powerful in physics because the laws of physics are
simple. Ecology, while ultimately dependent on physics, is far too messy
to follow simple axioms and provide exact results.
As Burnham and Anderson point out in their 2002 book, Model Selection
and Multimodel Inference, the actual number of degrees of freedom in
ecological models is so large that it might as well be infinite. Our
attempts to use parsimony as a guide are often just dumb (that's me
speaking not B and A, I think). Often the most elegant and beautiful
theory is the correct one in physics. Not so, in ecology.
Patrick Foley (ecologist and recovering mathematician)
patfoley@csus.edu
Warren W. Aney wrote:
>How useful and basic is mathematics in the field of ecology? I'm not
>talking about just using mathematics (and statistics) to describe, model
>and test. I'm talking about the basic idea posed by Edward O. Wilson th
t
>there is a natural body of mathematics that will serve as a natural
language
>for biology and hints that mathematics may even provide a bridge that
>unifies all sciences (Consilience, pp. 103-104, 212-214).
>
>An article by Max Tegmark in the May issue of Scientific American discus
es
>the correspondence between mathematics and physics (and, presumably,
natural
>sciences in general) and how it goes back to Greek philosophy:
>
>"According to the Aristotelian paradigm physical reality is fundamental
nd
>mathematical language is merely a useful approximation. According to th
>Platonic paradigm, the mathematical structure is the true reality and
>observers percieve it imperfectly." (page 49)
>
>Elsewhere in the article Tegmark says that scientists discover mathemati
al
>structures rather than create them and quotes physicist Eugene P. Wigner
>"the enormous usefulness of mathematics in the natural sciences is
something
>bordering on the mysterious."
>
>I guess I tend to have an Aristotelian view of mathematics, but E. O.
Wilson
>probably has advanced to the Platonic view. I could expand on this, but
I'd
>like to hear other viewpoints instead.
>
>Warren W. Aney
>Senior Wildlife Ecologist
>
>
>
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 19 Jul 2003 21:41:46 -0400
From: Donna Richer <dnrich@UP.NET>
Subject: lab-tech intern/Harvard Forest/ 9/03-5/04
I'm looking for a student lab technician to work on a project
investigating carbon storage in savanna tree species.
The student will be expected to work 40 hours /week doing carbohydrate
analysis in the lab and will be provided with
1) accomodation at Harvard Forest ( western Massachusetts)
2) a $500/month stipend.
A vehicle will not be required.
The position will start in early September and end sometime in May,
although start date and end date are flexible. The Harvard Forest
laboratory is a vibrant community of scientists and students and is a
LONG TERM ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH (LTER) sight. It is also an exceedingly
beautiful area in which to live. Located 1 and 1/2 hours west of
Boston, there will be plenty of opportunity for "urban renewal" and
interaction within the greater Harvard community.
Previous experience is not required considering there will be on the job
training. However, a strong biological background or previous lab
experience is appreciated.
Renee Richer
rricher@oeb.harvard.edu
dnrich@up.net
------------------------------
End of ECOLOG-L Digest - 18 Jul 2003 to 19 Jul 2003 (#2003-182)
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Thanks to discussion with TVR, I have decided to put a link to back files of the discussion group. This months back files.
The link to complete archives is available elsewhere.
This text was originally an e-mail. It was converted using a program
RUPANTAR- a simple e-mail-to-html converter.
(c)Kolatkar Milind. kmilind@ces.iisc.ernet.in