Selection of Test Systems for Ecological Analysis

Biological monitoring programs developed for ecosystem management, including experimental testing and descriptive assessments can be improved through careful selection of test systems. Test systems are a defined analysis unit employed to examine or assess. Test systems may range from simple biochemical assays to experimental manipulation of ecological systems. We have developed an efficient methodology for the selection of test systems used to assess the ecological system effects of chemicals. The process includes the recognition of ecosystem critical factors, identification of potential measures for these factors and selection of appropriate metrics for experimentation or assessment. A decision tree which leads to two methods for test system selection is proposed.