Thurs., March 26, 1-2:30 pm - Energy & Environment Forum - Toyota Auditorium 

Jennifer Dunne, Ecological Networks, Santa Fe Institute presents  "Ecological networks: A 
framework for studying sustainability of coupled natural-human systems"  

Most studies of the relationships of humans and ecosystems are presented in terms of 
human impacts on ecosystems. However, our ability to understand and mitigate such 
impacts depends on research that identifies the roles humans play in ecosystems including 
how they interact with other species.  Analysis and modeling of food web structure and 
dynamics provides a useful  framework for quantifying ecological roles and impacts of 
species including humans.  Such research is providing a new way to explore questions 
related to the sustainability of coupled natural-human systems.  This talk will highlight 
several projects that address how humans fit into and impact ancient, historic, and current 
ecosystems using an ecological network framework. 

Free & open to the public!