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Population dynamics models remain largely deterministic, although the presence of random fluctuations in nature is well recognized. This deterministic approach is based on the implicit assumption that systems can be separated into a deterministic part that captures the essential features of the system and a random part that can be neglected. But is it possible, in general, to understand population dynamics without the explicit consideration of random fluctuations? Here, we suggest perhaps not, and argue that the dynamics of many systems are a result of interactions between the deterministic nonlinear skeleton and noise.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.tree.2004.05.008

Type

Journal article

Journal

Trends Ecol Evol

Publication Date

07/2004

Volume

19

Pages

359 - 364