Publications

Fast and slow advances toward a deeper integration of theory and empiricism

Faculty Author(s): Stieha, Christopher R.
Student Author(s): -
Department: BIOL
Publication: Theoretical Ecology
Year: 2020
Abstract: Keywords: Alternative stable states; Insect outbreaks; Ludwig et al. (1978); Qualitative analysis; Separation of timescales; Spruce budworm; Theory and empiricism Abstract In this article, we present a modern commentary on Ludwig, Jones, and Holling's classic paper, "Qualitative analysis of insect outbreak systems: the spruce budworm and forest," published in the Journal of Animal Ecology in 1978. In contrast to papers that become classics for advancing one big idea, Ludwig et al.'s contribution is striking for its breadth of impact. It has become a foundational reference in areas as disparate as insect ecology and management, alternative stable states, the effects of natural enemies, and the separation of time scales between fast- and slow-changing variables. Interestingly, the paper is not generally remembered as an attempt to bridge the divide between theoretical and empirical ecologists, as we will show, even though this is how the authors motivated their work. In this commentary, we examine the expected and unexpected ways Ludwig et al. (J Anim Ecol 47:315--332, 1978) have found a place in modern ecological thought. Author Affiliation: (1) Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, 44106, Cleveland, OH, USA (2) Department of Biology, Millersville University, Millersville, PA, USA (3) Department of Biology, Colby College, Waterville, ME, USA (a) kcabbott@case.edu Article History: Registration Date: 09/12/2019 Received Date: 07/02/2019 Accepted Date: 09/12/2019 Online Date: 11/16/2019 Byline: Karen C. Abbott (corresponding author) (1, a), Fang Ji (1), Christopher R. Stieha (2), Christopher M. Moore (3)
Link: Fast and slow advances toward a deeper integration of theory and empiricism