Details zur Publikation

Kategorie Textpublikation
Referenztyp Zeitschriften
DOI 10.1111/j.1600-0706.2005.13851.x
Titel (primär) Function and "functioning" in ecology: what does it mean?
Autor Jax, K.
Quelle Oikos
Erscheinungsjahr 2005
Department NSF
Band/Volume 111
Heft 3
Seite von 641
Seite bis 648
Sprache englisch
Abstract

Many investigations in current ecological research focus on ecological functions, the functions of biodiversity, or the functioning of ecological systems. However, within ecology “function” is used in several different meanings. The most important ones are those of function as denoting either processes, roles, services or the “functioning” of whole systems. Some of these meanings pose considerable problems in terms of their ability to apply them in empirical research. These problems together with the ambiguity of the term “function” constitute considerable impediments for generalizations of research results. In order to improve this situation, the current paper describes the different meanings of “function” and discusses the requirements necessary to unambiguously apply the concept(s) in practice. This is illustrated by the example of current discussions on the “functions of biodiversity”.

dauerhafte UFZ-Verlinkung https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=3466
Jax, K. (2005):
Function and "functioning" in ecology: what does it mean?
Oikos 111 (3), 641 - 648 10.1111/j.1600-0706.2005.13851.x