WK 33
Demonstrating the First Ecosystem Simulation Models: H.T. Odum's Original Passive Electrical Analog Computers
One of the passive analogs is for a steady state ecosystem with batteries representing energy sources and wires and variable resistors representing carbon flow pathways. This computer was described in an early paper by Odum (1960a) that has been recognized as a benchmark in Systems Ecology. The other passive analog was used by Odum to describe his study of the Puerto Rican rain forest.
The workshop will include a discussion of the design, construction and restoration of the computers with demonstrations of their use. Odum used the units primarily for teaching elements of ecology (see Odum 1960b) and they still work effectively for this purpose based on our experiences in classrooms at the University of Maryland. We will also include a discussion of the place of these computers in a historical context, as they represent the first examples of computer simulation in Ecology.
Odum, H. T. 1960a. Ecological potential and analogue circuits for the ecosystem. American Scientist 48:1-8.
Odum, H. T. 1960b. Ten classroom sessions in ecology. American Biology Teacher 22:71-78.
Registration Fee: $0