Use of Models in Environmental Science

Models of every type are used in environmental toxicology. There are three broad classifications of models in ecology (Nisbet and Gurney 1982)  

Tactical models are designed to make specific and short-term predictions or forecasts of specific populations or communities. Simulation models fall into this category. Detailed information about the species, interactions, and physical characteristics of the system are necessary. Simulation models are generally detailed, requiring complex computations, and are not mathematically tractable for simplification. 

Testable models of laboratory or field data are the final broad class of models. These types of models involve the derivation of specific testable predictions. Good theory should lead to models of this type. Throughout this book it should be recognized that many of the topics covered are tactical, strategic, or testable models of reality. 

There are many more discussions of models to follow in this textbook. Please keep these characteristics of models in mind as you proceed. 

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