Ecology as an Aid to Floristics I : Adaptation and Ecotypes

The paper aims to demonstrate the role of the biological environment in shaping a plant species. Genetically and physiologically controlled demands and range of tolerance and their interactions produce a mosaic of populations. It is in these populations that 'ecads' and 'ecotypes are distinguished.

The paper gives suitable examples of adaptations, ecads and ecotypes.

This has opened a new line of work in taxonomic studies. Slight differences in morphological or even physiological characters of otherwise similar species should not be taken to separate the spécies taxonomically. Only ecological experimentation will provide the final answer.