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Introduction: The Heterogeneity of Heterogeneity: A Glossary

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Ecological Heterogeneity

Part of the book series: Ecological Studies ((ECOLSTUD,volume 86))

Abstract

Despite its ubiquitous relevance to most ecological and evolutionary processes, a comprehensive description of the structural and dynamic aspects of heterogeneity has never been constructed. Intuitively, the concept of heterogeneity is clear, but as we scrutinize it our initial impression fractures into complexity. The term appears rather simple when contrasted with homogeneity, the absence of variation. However, one can view heterogeneity from a variety of perspectives, some of which are well known and explored, but many of which are not. Some perspectives have important consequences for ecology and evolution, whereas others appear, at least initially, to be logical curiosities. Furthermore, different perspectives may be inclusive, exclusive, complementary, or overlapping, a problem that hints at the nature of the phenomenon itself.

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Authors
  1. Jurek Kolasa
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  2. C. David Rollo
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, McMaster University, L8S 4K1, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

    Jurek Kolasa

  2. Institute of Ecosystem Studies, The New York Botanical Garden, Mary Flagler Cary Arboretum, 12545, Millbrook, NY, USA

    Steward T. A. Pickett

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© 1991 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

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Kolasa, J., Rollo, C.D. (1991). Introduction: The Heterogeneity of Heterogeneity: A Glossary. In: Kolasa, J., Pickett, S.T.A. (eds) Ecological Heterogeneity. Ecological Studies, vol 86. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3062-5_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3062-5_1

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-7781-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-3062-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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