A framework for coupling explanation and prediction in hydroecological modelling ?
A novel framework for coupling explanatory and predictive modelling is proposed. Applied to ecological data describing controls on river benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Structural equation models underpin explanation and expert-based input variable selection. Extremely randomised trees used for prediction across pristine and disturbed river sites. Parsimonious, accurate, interpretable models generated by coupling explanation and prediction.
ecological data structural equation modelling input variable selection extremely randomised trees causal explanation empirical prediction