Final answer:
The term for using mathematical equations to model linear aspects of ecosystems is analytical modeling. It helps in predicting how ecosystem components behave and interact.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe the use of mathematical equations in the modeling of linear aspects of ecosystems is analytical modeling. Analytical modeling involves using mathematical formulations to describe and predict the behavior of various components within an ecosystem. This kind of modeling often uses linear equations to represent the relationships between different biological and environmental factors, providing a theoretical framework that can be analyzed and manipulated to understand how ecosystems function.