The importance of importance

Brooker, Rob and Kikvidze, Zaal and Pugnaire, Francisco and Callaway, Ray and Choler, Philippe and Lortie, Chris and Michalet, Richard (2005) The importance of importance. Oikos, 109 (1). pp. 63-70. ISSN 1600-0706

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Abstract

Failure to distinguish between ‘importance’ and ‘intensity’ of competition has hindered our ability to resolve key questions about the role interactions may play in plant communities. Here we examine how appropriate application of metrics of importance and intensity is integral to investigating key theories in plant community ecology and how ignoring this distinction has lead to confusion and possibly spurious conclusions. We re-explore the relationship between competition intensity and importance for individuals across gradients, and apply our review of concepts to published data to help clarify the debate. We demonstrate that competition importance and intensity need not be correlated and show how explicit application of the intensity and importance of competition may reconcile apparently incompatible paradigms.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Q Science > Ecology
Divisions: Institutes > 4D Research Institute
Depositing User: Prof. Zaal Kikvidze
Date Deposited: 22 Jan 2014 14:35
Last Modified: 22 Jan 2014 14:35
URI: http://eprints.iliauni.edu.ge/id/eprint/389

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