Research methods in ecologyClements, Frederic E. (Frederic Edward)
Science
Research methods in ecology
Clements, Frederic E. (Frederic Edward)
Plant ecology; Plant ecology -- Methodology
Polydemic species are by far the best and most frequent of all natural
experiments. In addition to plants that are strictly polydemic, i. e.,
grow in two or more distinct habitats, there are a large number which
occur in physically different parts of the same habitat. The recognition
of polydemics is the simplest of tasks. As a rule, it requires merely a
careful examination of contiguous formations in order to ascertain the
species common to two or more of them. The latter are naturally most
abundant along the ecotones between the habitats, and, as a result,
transition areas and mixed formations are almost inexhaustible sources
of ecads. Many adaptable species are found throughout several
formations, however, and such are experiments of the greatest possible
value. Not infrequently species of the manuals are seen to be ecads, in
spite of their systematic treatment, and to constitute natural
experiments that can be readily followed. Finally, it must be kept in
mind that some polydemics are stable, and do not give rise to ecads by
structural adaptation. They not only constitute extremely interesting
experiments in themselves, but they should also be very carefully
followed year by year, since it seems probable that the responses are
merely latent, and that they will appear suddenly in the form of
mutants. In natural experiments it is sometimes difficult to distinguish
which form is the ecad and which the original form of the species. As a
rule, however, this point can be determined by the relative abundance
and the distribution, but in cases of serious doubt, it is necessary to
appeal to experimental cultures.
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