Systems Model

Lastly, we can examine the scallop-habitat interaction from the perspective of a systems model (Figure 1) where we have depicted a grassbed in the box and the water column above.

Systems Perspective of Scallop Habitat

This model demonstrates the complex pathways and potential indirect effects of population response to multiple stressors, and shows how different habitat components can mediate this response. Note also that the model includes ecosystem linkages at all trophic levels and all habitat types, and evaluates scallop survival in relation to climate, watershed land use, water quality, refugia, food availability and predation. This model could then be simulated over time, and, with a few modifications, over space as well.

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Systems Model

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