Stochastic spatial models in ecology: a statistical physics approach

摘要: Ecosystems display a complex spatial organization. Ecologists have long tried to characterize them by looking at how different measures of biodiversity change across scales. Ecological neutral theory has provided simple predictions accounting for general empirical patterns in communities competing species. However, while well-mixed ecosystems is mathematically well understood, models still present several open problems, limiting the quantitative understanding biodiversity. In this review, we discuss state art theory. We emphasize connection between ecological and physics non-equilibrium phase transitions concepts developed statistical translate population dynamics, vice versa. focus on non-trivial scaling laws arising critical dimension D = 2 models, their relevance biological populations inhabiting two-dimensional environments. conclude discussing incorporating non-neutral effects form temporal disorder, analyze deviate from those purely theories.