Overview of the model types available for development of ecological models

In the seventies almost all models that were published in Ecological Modelling were either bio-geo-chemical dynamic models or population dynamic models. The development in ecological modelling has been toward application of a wider spectrum of models, as it is shown by modelling statistics. The new model types that have emerged, are able to offer solutions on the modelling problems formulated by the modelers already in the seventies. Today, it is possible to classify eleven types of models. An overview of these 11 model types their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and area of application is presented. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.