Simplifying the jargon of community ecology: a conceptual approach
JE Fauth, J Bernardo, M Camara… - The American …, 1996 - journals.uchicago.edu
The fields of ecology and evolution are frequently criticized for teleological arguments and
inexact language (Popper 1974; Peters 1976; Thorpe 1986; Mills et al. 1993; Frazier 1994).
While some of this criticism may be misdirected(Stebbins 1977), imprecise language has led
to the virtual synonymy of important terms that should retain distinct usages (see, eg, Gould
1977; Janzen 1980; Mills et al. 1993). Clarifying ecological terminology is important not only
because it facilitates clear communication but also because it makes explicit the …
inexact language (Popper 1974; Peters 1976; Thorpe 1986; Mills et al. 1993; Frazier 1994).
While some of this criticism may be misdirected(Stebbins 1977), imprecise language has led
to the virtual synonymy of important terms that should retain distinct usages (see, eg, Gould
1977; Janzen 1980; Mills et al. 1993). Clarifying ecological terminology is important not only
because it facilitates clear communication but also because it makes explicit the …
