Hierarchy theory

Hierarchy theory is a means of studying ecological systems in which the relationship between all of the components is not fully known, and is of great complexity. The entirety of the system is simplified by studying signals and constrains imposed by hierarchical levels. Instead of analyzing the whole structure, hierarchy theory reduces this to the analysis of three hierarchical levels only, and the interactions between them.

References

• A SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPLES OF HIERARCHY THEORY, International Society for the Systems Sciences
• Hierarchy Theory; The Challenge of Complex Systems, Howard Hunt Pattee, International library of systems theory and philosophy, June 1, 1973. ISBN 978-0807606742
• Hierarchy: perspectives for ecological complexity, Allan, T.F.H., and Starr, T.B., University of Chicago Press, 1988. ISBN 978-0226014319