Community organization: recent advances in numerical methods

Abstract

"Recent" in the title signifies a time period of over three decades. This period begins with John von Neumann's original work on computer logic, John Curtis' and David Goodall's on numerical phytosociology, and Eugene Odum's on systems ecology. It culminates in the advent of the microcomputer and the wide use of computer techniques. Within the noted time span, the methodological advances are closely linked with (i) developments in hardware and software technology and (ii) historical changes in ecological thought and community theory. An advance is considered as any methodological invention, or any change in a method's design, that brings the analysis into closer conformity with the relevant community theory and improves method efficiency and practical admissibility. Developments in specific fields of vegetation analysis are reviewed.