Functional ecology's non-selectionist understanding of function.

摘要: This paper reinforces the current consensus against applicability of selected effect theory function in ecology. It does so by presenting an argument which, contrast with usual invoked support this consensus, is not based on claims about whether ecosystems are customary units natural selection. Instead, developed here observations use concept functional ecology, and more specifically, research into relationship between biodiversity ecosystem functioning. argued that a account ecological functions made implausible fact it would conflict important aspects understanding organization which underpins ecology's program. Specifically, (1) Functional adoption context-based its aim to study equivalence phylogenetically-divergent organisms; (2) attribution lower degree part-whole integration than one found paradigm individual (3) physiological or metabolic perspective rather evolutionary one.