Final answer:
Ecologists use conceptual models, analytical models, and simulation models to study organisms in their environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ecologists use science models in several ways to study organisms in their environments:
- Conceptual models: Ecologists use conceptual models to show the general relationships between organisms and the flow of materials or energy between them. For example, a conceptual model might illustrate the predator-prey relationship in a food chain.
- Analytical models: Analytical models are used to describe linear food chains. These models help ecologists understand the interactions between different species in a simplified manner.
- Simulation models: Simulation models are useful for studying complex interactions in food webs. Ecologists can use computer programs to simulate how organisms in an ecosystem interact with each other, providing insights into their behavior and the overall dynamics of the ecosystem.