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From vegetation ecology to vegetation science: current trends and perspectives

Authors :
Guillermo Ibarra-Manriquez
Mario González-Espinosa
Miguel Martínez-Ramos
Jorge A. Meave
Source :
Botan‪ical Sciences, Vol 100, Iss Special (2022)
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
Sociedad Botánica de México, A. C., 2022.

Abstract

Vegetation is a key biosphere component to supporting biodiversity on Earth, and its maintenance and proper functioning are essential to guarantee the well-being of humankind. From a broad perspective, a fundamental goal of vegetation ecology is to understand the roles of abiotic and biotic factors that affect vegetation structure, distribution, diversity, and functioning, considering the relevant spatial and temporal scales. In this contribution, we reflect on the difficulties and opportunities to accomplish this grand objective by reviewing recent advances in the main areas of vegetation ecology. We highlight theoretical and methodological challenges and point to alternatives to overcome them. Our hope is that this contribution will motivate the development of future research efforts that will strengthen the field of vegetation ecology. Ultimately, vegetation science will continue to provide a strong knowledge basis and multiple theoretical and technological tools to better face the current global environmental crisis and to address the urgent need to sustainably conserve the vegetation cover of our planet in the Anthropocene.

Details

Language :
English, Spanish; Castilian
ISSN :
20074298 and 20074476
Volume :
100
Issue :
Special
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Botan‪ical Sciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.8a16919413e4849aa70df4d544eb2be
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.17129/botsci.3171