Definition and Quantitation in Ecology

Abstract

AUSTIN¹, in commenting on my communication², has provided an example of the problems which arise in justifying a non-quantitative approach to a subject such as ecology. Austin attaches significance to an imprecision of definition in my examination of the relationships among functional properties of Californian grasslands, and concludes “more adequate definitions are necessary before McNaughton's suggestions … can profitably be examined”. A critical examination of this proposition shows it to be erroneous. A summary of the data required by such an examination is included (Table 1).