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The eco-field: A new paradigm for landscape ecology

Publication: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

Abstract

In the spirit of the theory of biocomplexity and of the non-linear emergent characters of ecological systems, the eco-field is a new paradigm that integrates the vision of the landscape as a neutral matrix (like a habitat) in which organisms are living, and contemporarily as a product of the human mind. Eco-field is defined a 'cognitive field' created by the interference between functional traits and the 'real world'. Species-specific environmental suitability is the result of the quality of the different eco-fields and the landscape becomes a cognitive entity. The eco-field paradigm can be extended to the emergent properties of the systems. The eco-field of emergences is the geographic space in which the emergent properties appear. The eco-field of organisms and the eco-field of emergences, like results of aggregated entities, have in common the multidimensionality of landscapes, refusing the vision of landscape like a neutral geographic matrix for organisms and processes.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)107-110
Number of pages4
JournalEcological Research
Volume19
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • biocomplexity
  • eco-field paradigm
  • hierarchical level of complexity
  • landscape ecology theory

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