Overview on the role of theory and models in ecology

In ecology, theory should be considered not only as a conceptual framework for research, but an ultimate product of ecological studies as well. Theory and model can be used to generate new hypotheses, to clarify and test existing hypotheses, to identify key components in complex systems, to suggest critical experiments, to synthesize knowledge across disciplines and scales, and to make assessment or optimization for decision-making processes. Empirical and theoretical ecology are interdependent and interactive. Minimizing the gap between theoreticians and empiricists will certainly help promote the development of the science of ecology. -from English summary