Foundational Biogeography: Vegetation of the Great Smoky Mountains (Ecological Monographs, 26: 1–80, 1956), by Robert H. Whittaker
Malanson GP and Peet RK. 2020. Foundational Biogeography: Vegetation of the Great Smoky Mountains (Ecological Monographs, 26: 1–80, 1956), by Robert H. Whittaker. Progress in Physical Geography. 44(1):137–143
ABSTRACT: A seminal paper in biogeography is reviewed. Whittaker’s 1956 paper in Ecological Monographs introduced gradient analysis as a conceptual framework. This approach replaced community classification as the preferred methodology among US ecologists and biogeographers. It later developed into the foundation for species distribution modeling. Although the paper underlies a continuing rift between US and European scientists, both groups recognize its importance for relating ecological processes to geographical patterns.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Malanson, George; Peet, Robert
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, ecology, gradient analysis, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GRSM, history of ecology, niche modeling, ordination, plant community, SER, Southeast Region