Modeling. Modeling is an important tool that ecologists employ to study ecosystems once they think they understand how the ecosystem of an environment works. A model can take many forms, but it represents a specific hypothesis about the mechanics of an ecosystem.

Do ecologists make models?

Ecologists make models to gain insight into complex phenomena. Many ecological models consist of mathematical formulas based on data collected through observation and experimentation. The predictions made by ecological models are often tested by further observations and experiments.

What do ecologists use?

Ecologists use field studies and sampling schemes to gather data in natural environments. Like other scientists, ecologists use statistics to describe and make inferences from data. They also use computer simulations to model complex phenomena.