Throughout this essay, Tansley argues for the standardization of the definition of several temrs commonly used in the discussion of vegetation and ecology. I will herein define in my own words what those terms are as well as discuss several of Tansleys arguments for them and some of my own thoughts on the essay.
Succession: A series of changes in the life cycle of a plant, quasi-organism, or eco-system. Each change leading to the next. The change is continuous, but can be categorized into successional phases.
Autogenic Succession: A succession primarily brought on by the actions of the plant life on their environment. E.g. A reduction in soil quality due to leeching leading to less growth.
Allogenic Succession: A succession primarily brought on by factors other than those actions of the plant life on their environment. E.g. A forest fire.
Anthrogenic Succession: A succession primarily brought on by the actions of humans on the plant life and its environment. E.g. The clearing of forest for grazing land.
Retrogressive Succession: Tansley argues that retrogressive succession is an ill-suited, though others ( use it to mean “regression” from a “higher” to “lower” form of vegetation (No clarification is given as to what higher and lower here mean) Tansley seems to say that retrogressive isn’t the correct term because the plant life is still adapting in a forward direction given the conditions of its environment at any given time.
Quasi-Organism: A mature, well-integrated plant community having enough of the characteristics of an organism. A community of plants that reaches a dynamic balance. Others use the term “complex organism”, which Tansley objects to on the grounds that an individual plant or animal is a complex organism and a network of complex organisms ought to have another name. (I initially took quasi-organism to mean the same as my understanding of an eco-system until eco-system was defined later in the text)
Climax: Permanent of apparently permanent condition reached when vegetation is in equilibrium with all Incidental factors. (There are arguably many sub-types of climax e.g. “mowing climax” a climax wherein the plant life is in a state of balance with its frequent mowing, where it doesn’t over-grow, or die off as a result of this action)
Ecosystem: The exchange among a quasi-organism and its environment. Components of which are both organic (plants, animals) and inorganic (soil, climate).
Two terms which were not defined in the text but which I found useful to look up are
Edaphic: of or relating to soil
Sere: A series of ecological communities formed in succession
My first impression of Tansley is that a contemporary reader likely would have either found him very funny or very annoying. He refers to himself twice as someone who was a heretic or who did not keep the “faith” of popular belief among ecologists of the day, instead challenging their ideas and definitions. I was intrigued by his thought on “retrogressive succession” and whether all change was necessarily “forward”, as well as the times he referred to minute and constant change in an ecosystem or quasi-organism and whether those two beliefs are related. In my notes, I likened the constant minute changes to the movement by the driver of a steering wheel on a straight road; the direction of the vehicle is always forward but the steering wheel is always being slightly turned to maintain that status. There is also the question as to whether human action can be considered part of nature, Tansley doesn’t clearly give his opinion, though through the addition of the definition of anthrogenic succession, seems to imply that humans are too great a variable to count among allogenic successions. I agree with this descision, because unlike all other animals and plants, humans don’t have to be at balance with their local environment to survive. Humans are at liberty to radically change their environment because of their ability to transport resources from afar.
Overall, I found the reading itself interesting, though, as it was my first reading of this kind, it will take me some time to be able to more fully digest its meaning and implication.
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In Arthur Tansley’s essay “The Use and Abuse of Vegetational Concepts and Terms” from 1935, he explores the need for standardized definitions of key terms in the field of ecology and vegetation. Tansley identifies several terms and concepts commonly used in discussions of vegetation and ecological succession and provides clear, concise definitions for each.
One of the central terms Tansley discusses is “succession,” which refers to a series of changes in the life cycle of a plant community or ecosystem, each leading to the next. Tansley distinguishes between different types of succession, including autogenic (driven primarily by plant actions), allogenic (resulting from external factors like fires), and anthrogenic (caused by human activities). He also challenges the term “retrogressive succession,” arguing that it does not accurately represent the concept, as even apparent regressions in plant communities are adaptations to their current environmental conditions.
Tansley introduces the concept of a “quasi-organism” to describe a mature, well-integrated plant community that exhibits characteristics of an organism. This term emphasizes the interconnectedness and balance within such a community.
He further defines “climax” as a permanent or apparently permanent condition in which vegetation is in equilibrium with all incidental factors. Tansley acknowledges that there can be subtypes of climax, such as the “mowing climax,” where plant life is in balance with frequent mowing.
Additionally, Tansley introduces the concept of an “ecosystem,” highlighting the exchange between a quasi-organism and its environment, encompassing both organic (plants, animals) and inorganic (soil, climate) components.
Tansley’s essay challenges existing terminology and offers more precise definitions, aiming to provide clarity and consistency in ecological discussions. His willingness to question prevailing ideas and terminology in the field demonstrates a commitment to advancing ecological understanding.
Your observation about Tansley’s references to himself as a heretic or someone challenging prevailing beliefs of the time is notable. It reflects his willingness to question established norms and push the boundaries of ecological discourse. Tansley’s essay has had a lasting impact on the field of ecology by encouraging critical examination of terminology and concepts, which remains relevant to this day. As you continue to explore ecological literature, you’ll likely encounter Tansley’s influence and the ongoing debates and discussions surrounding these fundamental concepts.
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TechQrew thinks – Arthur Tansley’s 1935 work on the “use and abuse of vegetational concepts and terms” provides a pioneering perspective on ecological terminology, emphasizing the need for precise language to foster clear scientific communication and understanding in ecology.
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This blog post provides a comprehensive exploration of Arthur Tansley’s work, shedding light on important concepts in vegetation ecology. It’s a valuable resource for researchers and enthusiasts alike, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation for the field. – Weblint
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