Hierarchical description

James J. Kay

The behaviour of a system (holon) is due to the interactions of its components (also holons) in the context of the wider system (another holon) it is part of. We can only understand systems from a hierarchical perspective, that is as nested holons. Generally five levels of description are required. The Huron Natural Area nested holons, from one perspective that of surface water flows (i.e watershed), are seen below:

Speaking notes:

For details of each level of description for the Huron Natural Area see:

Definition of the ecosystem hierarchy
Hierarchical description of the ecosystem holons
Hierarchical description of the ecosystem's environment and context.

Updated 29 June, 1999

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