Stability and complexity in ecological systems

The paper attempts to answer an outstanding question in theoretical ecology whether structural complexity is essential for dynamical complexity to exist. Advances in dynamical systems theory and their application to ecosystem analysis has enabled us to have a better grasp of the concept of dynamical complexity. Our basin boundary calculations indicate that structural complexity is not necessary for dynamical complexity to exist. Very simple ecosystems can display dynamical behaviour which is unpredictable in certain situations. In certain cases, when riddled basins are found, even qualitative predictability is denied.