ECOSYSTEM DYNAMICS VIEWED FROM AN ENDOPERSPECTIVE

The connection between ecosystems, thermodynamics and information theo ry is analyzed. We intend to show that the laws on computation can be applied in a much simpler and direct way than thermodynamic laws. The focus is on terrestrial ecosystems, for which boundaries are defined a ccording to the statistical properties of energy and matter fluxes. Th e internal model which organisms inside ecosystems have about their en vironment is investigated. The evolution of an ecosystem model is cons idered as an alternation of model testing and model revision phases. T he problem of knowledge acquisition for an observer placed inside the system and intimately connected with it (endoperspective) is discussed in detail. The bounds for the maximal information gain depending on t hermodynamic conditions are derived under different assumptions. The p roposed framework has not been rigorously tested yet, but it would exp lain much of the current dilemma in ecological modelling. Its applicat ion leads to testable predictions.