TY - JOUR
AU - Cadenasso, M. L.
AB - Ecosystems (2002) 5: 1–10 DOI: 10.1007/s10021-001-0051-y ECOSYSTEMS © 2002 Springer-Verlag C OMMENTARY The Ecosystem as a Multidimensional Concept: Meaning, Model, and Metaphor S. T. A. Pickett* and M. L. Cadenasso Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Box AB, Millbrook, New York, 12545 USA ABSTRACT The ecosystem is a fundamental ecological concept the concept for specific scientific uses while also that is not as simple as it first appears. We explore allowing enough flexibility for its use in the inte- three key dimensions of the concept that make it gration of scientific principles, as well as in public both complex and broadly useful—its basic defini- discourse. This analysis of the ecosystem as a mul- tion, its application via models to concrete or spe- tidimensional concept is likely to be generalizable to cific situations, and its metaphorical connotations other important concepts in ecology. as used in general communication within the do- main of science and with the public at large. Clarity in identifying what the dimensions are and how Key words: ecosystem concept; ecosystem defini- they are related can help to maintain the rigor of tion; metaphor; model; specification; values. science and its application mature. Furthermore, INTRODUCTION peeling back the layers of complexity 
TI - The Ecosystem as a Multidimensional Concept: Meaning, Model, and Metaphor
JF - Ecosystems
DO - 10.1007/s10021-001-0051-y
DA - 2002-01-01
UR - https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/springer-journals/the-ecosystem-as-a-multidimensional-concept-meaning-model-and-metaphor-LpOLoRagMn
SP - 1
EP - 10
VL - 5
IS - 1
DP - DeepDyve
ER -