Regulation in Terrestrial Ecosystems, and the Implied Balance of Nature

摘要: regret the brevity of HSS. We must also apologize for some confusion terminology which it contains. Specifically in this rebuttal we will: demonstrate internal inconsistency criticism Ehrlich and Birch, clarify considerations raised by Murdoch, part empirical validity our earlier conclusions. It be made clear that dispute is not simply verbiage, but rather interpretation commonly accepted observations use these interpretations prediction. Neither Murdoch nor Birch deny major They merely cite exceptions. But, as point out below, exceptions themselves are predicted original paper. A thoughtful reading HSS shows certain statements concern trophic levels wholes, may necessarily apply to every subset populations within levels. The is, think, sufficiently body paper, summary. incorrect, therefore, when he substitutes "in general" "as a whole." His thesis "hypotheses" cannot tested derives from misinterpretation what have said. were making about most herbivores, or carnivores, wholes. Our statements, then, quantitatively dominant species numerical majority any ecosystem. were, fact, claiming good deal less than many critics thought. claimed, still claim, that, with qualifications included biological methods regulation characteristic levels, while this. (but Murdoch) affirm universal. Note if