For this assignment, you will be using Vensim PLE software to develop causal loop diagrams (CLDs) which illustrate your ability to: 1) apply what youve learned in the Lovett paper in your readings 2) illustrate your understanding of the forest growth dynamic process (de Vries, Figure 2.12, p. 38, forest biomass), and 3) demonstrate your ability to develop CLDs using the Vensim PLE software. Your work on this assignment is a precursor for the CLDs that you will develop in Essay 1 for the absent, localized, spreading, and pervasive phases. Preparation: Read the Lovett paper: (Lovett et al. (2016) Nonnative forest insects and pathogens in the United States: Impacts and policy options, Ecological Applications, 26(5) pp.1437-1455) in your module for class 2. Read Chapter 2 The Systems Dynamics Perspective in de Vries Sustainability Science (focusing on 2.4.1 The Rules of the Game and 2.4.2 Archetypes) Download the Vensim PLE software by clicking on the download button on the main page at http://vensim.com/ Indicate that your download is for educational purposes when prompted. Watch the Vensim tutorial video on causal loop diagramming at http://vensim.com/vensim-causal-loop-diagramming/ This video is ~17 minutes long, but the first 10 minutes provides what youll need to complete the assignment. As an option, you may find it helpful to start by mimicking the population growth CLD which is illustrated in the tutorial video to ensure that you have understood the necessary steps. Completion of the assignment: We will go over CLDs for the absent phase and spreading phase in Lecture 2. Follow the drawing and presentation conventions which are presented in the population growth example in the Vensim tutorial. Use the forest biomass archetype presented in Figure 2.12 in de Vries. Provide one influencer for natural tree growth and one influencer for tree death/cutting (similar to birth rate and death rate for the population growth example) for each CLD. Provide a brief narrative (one short paragraph, 3-4 sentences for each CLD) describing the system dynamic which is at work in your CLD. Spelling and grammar will be noted. Citation and proper labeling of figures will be expected. Submittal requirements: Submit a Word file which includes your CLDs as a screen capture and brief narrative
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