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On sampling procedures in population and community ecology

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Progress in theoretical vegetation science

Part of the book series: Advances in vegetation science ((AIVS,volume 11))

Abstract

In this paper we emphasize that sampling decisions in population and community ecology are context dependent. Thus, the selection of an appropriate sampling procedure should follow directly from considerations of the objectives of an investigation. We recognize eight sampling alternatives, which arise as a result of three basic dichotomies: parameter estimation versus pattern detection, univariate versus multivariate, and a discrete versus continuous sampling universe. These eight alternative sampling procedures are discussed as they relate to decisions regarding the required empirical sample size, the selection or arrangement of sampling units, and plot size and shape. Our results indicate that the decision-making process in sampling must be viewed as a flexible exercise, dictated not by generalized recommendations but by specific objectives: there is no panacea in ecological sampling. We also point to a number of unresolved sampling problems in ecology.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada

    N. C. Kenkel

  2. Department of Plant Ecology and Taxonomy, L. Eötvös University, Kun Béla tér 2, Budapest, H-1083, Hungary

    P. Juhász-Nagy & J. Podani

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  1. N. C. Kenkel
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  2. P. Juhász-Nagy
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  3. J. Podani
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Editor information

G. Grabherr L. Mucina M. B. Dale C. J. F. Ter Braak

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© 1990 Kluwer Academic Publishers

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Kenkel, N.C., Juhász-Nagy, P., Podani, J. (1990). On sampling procedures in population and community ecology. In: Grabherr, G., Mucina, L., Dale, M.B., Ter Braak, C.J.F. (eds) Progress in theoretical vegetation science. Advances in vegetation science, vol 11. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-1934-1_17

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-1934-1_17

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-7363-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-1934-1

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