The Population Structure of Vegetation

Abstract

It is a pleasure to be able to discuss some recent developments in American plant ecology before European phytosociologists. I have only one regret — that the long, partially separate developments of English-language ecology and Continental phytosociology have led to the depth of difference that we observe, with scientists on the two continents often approaching the same phenomena through different techniques, concepts, and perspectives. I think, though, that the development of ecology as a science may have been enriched by these differences (Whittaker 1962), and that mutual understanding is now more important than agreement.