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The continuum and the individualistic association

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Summary

A geometrical model is described, within whose framework classes and continua of vegetation can both be accommodated; it is postulated that each point of view may be appropriate in different cases.

It is shewn the three antitheses — between classification and a continuum; between the individualistic and the integrated view of the plant community; and between continuous intergradation in the field of different vegatation types, and the existence of distinct stands with well-marked boundaries —have no necessary connexion with one another, and that any combination of these views can be held without inconsistency. All three antitheses stand in need of extensive objective tests — not with a view to accepting one alternative and rejecting the other, but to determine how far each view is applicable.

The a priori and arguments in favour of the existence of integrated plant communities are detailed, and a plea is made for the extension of work designed to ascertain whether, and how widely, such integrated plant communities do in fact occur.

Résumé

Un modèle géométrique est formulé dans le cadre duquel les classements et les “continua” de la végétation peuvent être englobés. On admet que chaque point de vue puisse être juste dans les cas divers.

Les trois antithèses — entre la classification et les “continua”, entre les associations individualisées et intégrées, et entre les communautés végétales aux limites définies et les transitions continues — ne se rapportent pas nécessairement, et n'importe quelle combinaison de ces idées peut être soutenue sans desaccord. Toutes les trois ont besoin d'épreuves objectives et amples, non pour accepter l'une en rejetant l'autre, mais pour savoir jusqu'à quel point chacune peut se trouver valable.

Les thèses a priori en faveur de l'existence des communautés végétales intégrées sont détaillées et on fait appel à l'extension des travaux destinés à constater l'existence réelle et l'importance de tels communautés.

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  1. Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia

    David W. Goodall

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Die Redaktion von Vegetatio hält es für angebracht, neben den ihrigen auch Ansichten, die sie nicht oder doch nicht durchgehends teilt, hervortreten zu lassen. Wir sind überzeugt, dass die Pflanzendecke der Erde in ihrem ganzen Ausmass der Unterteilung in pflanzensoziologische Gruppierungen höheren oder niedrigeren Ranges zugänglich ist; ihre Begrenzung kann scharf oder aber weniger scharf und gleitend sein.

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Goodall, D.W. The continuum and the individualistic association. Vegetatio Acta Geobot 11, 297–316 (1963). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00303795

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