Preface
The four papers in this number cover very different ecologioal topice
yet each represents an important aspect of modern ecology. “he p p r
by Dr Gates is a careful mixture of mathematical model making with
the reality of observations, both tempered by the wisdom of a man who
understands how to look at organisms in nature. In his theoretical
approach to certain aspects of primary production in eoosystems, Dr
Gates emphasizes what is a great need if ecology is to make progress as
a predictive science.
Although we are in complete agreement with Dr Gates when he says:
“Ecology must have a strong theoretical and analytical basis before it
oan advance significantly”, there is still need for basic field studies.
Ecology is still concerned with organisms and the majority of ecological
investigations must rest on sound taxonomy. The papers by Dr Main
end Dr Waloff emphasize the importance that must be attached to
taxonomic Rtudiee. Dr Main brings together his important work on
frogs in Australia-information which has been neglected in other parts
of the world. Dr Waloffs study combines sound taxonomy with a
thoroughgoing quantitative investigation of the insects aseociated
with Scotch broom. Her paper reveals the complexity of the interrelations which can occur in an apparently simple ecosystem and it
emphasizes the value of long-term investigations. Her contribution is a
fitting climax to Dr 0. W. Richards’ period as Professor at Imperial
College. It summarizes investigations made by many graduate students
and demonstrates the value of the sustained and critical leadership of
both Dr Waloff and Professor 0. W. Richards at Silwood Park.
The use of fire to manage vegetation dates from the very early days
of man’s escendancy on this planet. Fire still represents a major
management tool and it still occurs aa a natural event. Yet, there is
considerable conflict in the literature as to the nature and range of its
effects. Dr Daubenmire’s paper documents much of the literature. His
review exposes the problems which should be investigated, some of
which require greater theoretical and experimental treatment than hae
been attempted in the past.
J. 33. CRAW
March, 1968 ,
The four papers in this number cover very different ecologioal topice
yet each represents an important aspect of modern ecology. “he p p r
by Dr Gates is a careful mixture of mathematical model making with
the reality of observations, both tempered by the wisdom of a man who
understands how to look at organisms in nature. In his theoretical
approach to certain aspects of primary production in eoosystems, Dr
Gates emphasizes what is a great need if ecology is to make progress as
a predictive science.
Although we are in complete agreement with Dr Gates when he says:
“Ecology must have a strong theoretical and analytical basis before it
oan advance significantly”, there is still need for basic field studies.
Ecology is still concerned with organisms and the majority of ecological
investigations must rest on sound taxonomy. The papers by Dr Main
end Dr Waloff emphasize the importance that must be attached to
taxonomic Rtudiee. Dr Main brings together his important work on
frogs in Australia-information which has been neglected in other parts
of the world. Dr Waloffs study combines sound taxonomy with a
thoroughgoing quantitative investigation of the insects aseociated
with Scotch broom. Her paper reveals the complexity of the interrelations which can occur in an apparently simple ecosystem and it
emphasizes the value of long-term investigations. Her contribution is a
fitting climax to Dr 0. W. Richards’ period as Professor at Imperial
College. It summarizes investigations made by many graduate students
and demonstrates the value of the sustained and critical leadership of
both Dr Waloff and Professor 0. W. Richards at Silwood Park.
The use of fire to manage vegetation dates from the very early days
of man’s escendancy on this planet. Fire still represents a major
management tool and it still occurs aa a natural event. Yet, there is
considerable conflict in the literature as to the nature and range of its
effects. Dr Daubenmire’s paper documents much of the literature. His
review exposes the problems which should be investigated, some of
which require greater theoretical and experimental treatment than hae
been attempted in the past.
J. 33. CRAW
March, 1968 ,