Conditioning the ecosystem (Q1060161)

A dynamic input-output model of the ecosystem is shown to have stable responses to changes in the net inputs or outputs if a set of preparatory or conditioning flows changes are carried out. These flows are a function of the structure of the ecosystem, the nature of the desired net input or output changes, and the length of the conditioning period. If the structure is assumed constant and if a behavioral system goal can be consistently posed, the optimal conditioning period can be determined. This period length is also a function of the cost placed on waiting by components of the ecosystem. An experiment is proposed to reveal the waiting cost or time value in ecosystems.