Final answer:
Analytical modeling is the use of mathematical equations to represent and analyze the linear aspects of ecosystems, offering a simplified approach to understanding and predicting ecological dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes the use of mathematical equations in the modeling of linear aspects of ecosystems is analytical modeling. Analytical modeling involves creating mathematical representations, including equations, to understand and predict the behavior of different components within an ecosystem. These models are based on theoretical knowledge and are designed to simulate real-world processes in a simplified way. Unlike simulation modeling, which relies on computational methods and often deals with complex, non-linear systems, analytical modeling typically deals with more straightforward, linear aspects that can be expressed with exact mathematical formulas.