Interpreting Ecological Complexity

This book illustrates how the choice of relevant data collection and data analysis techniques is critical for a sound and objective description of the complexity of space-time patterns and processes in ecology and the aquatic sciences. It reviews the concept of complexity in a general ecological context, before introducing a unifying definition of complexity in marine ecology. The book shows that convincing results can arise from very simple, sound, and well-thought-out approaches. The authors underline the risks related to modern techniques of data assimilation that can lead to data inundation, a loss of focus, and ultimately an erroneous scientific approach.