< Back

Nested scale

Network structure

The organization of ecological patterns and processes within spatial levels embedded within larger spatial systems, such that conditions and processes at one level can influence or depend upon those at other levels. The relevant analytical scale is established by the research or planning inquiry, and relationships across scales should be considered rather than assuming observations at one scale characterize the larger system.

Levin, S. A. (1992). The problem of pattern and scale in ecology. Ecology, 73(6), 1943–1967. Wiens, J. A. (1989). Spatial scaling in ecology. Functional Ecology, 3(4), 385–397.