Ecological scale and scaling
生态学中的尺度及尺度转换方法

Scale, as an important paradigm in ecology, has aroused wide attention. But the study of ecological scale, which is far behind maturity, will be enhanced. The variously defined ecological scale is multi-dimensional. So there are spatial, temporal and functional scales, etc. Functional scale and spatial-temporal scales are different and closely related. In general, functional scale does not have a precisely defined physical dimension. We can find the spatial-temporal scales of the specific organization within some ecological hierarchy. Ecological scale is different from the scale in cartology. The issues concerning ecological scale are very complex and variant. The very purpose of scale related research in ecology is to find the underlying mechanisms of the ecological world by the use of the appropriately selected spatial-temporal scales. Therefore, the selection of suitable research scales and the methods of scaling is very important. The establishment of the right scales is the basis and origin, because it has direct effects on the experimental design and data collection. Different research scales can result in different interpretation and understanding of the ecological regimes. In this respect, ecologists generally think much of it. In a theoretical sense the best should be achieved using a hierarchy of scales having the capacity to correlate abiotic, biotic and human processes. Often the scales are chosen according to perceptual capabilities or by technological or logistical constraints. The status of research projects and the features and complexity of the ecological entities being observed are the main factors influencing scale selection. The ecological entities and processes are subject to the constraints from the ecological scales related. There are constraints and thresholds on each scale. The results of scaling are difficult to understand according to the classical hierarchy theory. There are exchanges of material, energy and information among various scales. Scaling, including scaling-up and scaling-down, can be carried through by the control of grain and extent. Mathematical models and computer simulation techniques are often used in the process of scaling because of the complexity of ecological systems. There are often chaos and other nonlinear behaviors in the transition zone of scale dominions. Several methods and mathematical models are often used in scaling. They are graphics, regression analysis, variogram, autocorrelation analysis, spectral analysis, fractal analysis and wavelet transformation. The techniques of geographical information system (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) are very helpful in the process of scaling. The hotspots of research will be the variability and interaction of ecological scales and methods of scaling. The principles and applications of ecological scale will be improved through the deepening and advancing of the understanding and skills.