Foundational biogeography: Vegetation of the Great Smoky Mountains (Ecological Monographs, 26: 1–80, 1956), by Robert H. Whittaker. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Malanson, George P; Peet, Robert K
• Is Part Of: Progress in physical geography. Volume 44:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 137
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Gradient analysis -- history of ecology -- niche modeling -- ordination -- plant community; Physical geography -- Periodicals; 910.02
• DOI: 10.1177/0309133319897409
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-1333

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.