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A comparative framework for broad-scale plot-based vegetation classification

De Cáceres, Miquel and Chytrý, Milan and Agrillo, Emiliano and Attorre, Fabio and Botta-Dukát, Zoltán and Czúcz, Bálint and Lengyel, Attila (2015) A comparative framework for broad-scale plot-based vegetation classification. APPLIED VEGETATION SCIENCE, 18 (4). pp. 543-560. ISSN 1402-2001

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Abstract

Aims: Classification of vegetation is an essential tool to describe, understand, predict and manage biodiversity. Given the multiplicity of approaches to classify vegetation, it is important to develop international consensus around a set of general guidelines and purpose-specific standard protocols. Before these goals can be achieved, however, it is necessary to identify and understand the different choices that are made during the process of classifying vegetation. This paper presents a framework to facilitate comparisons between broad-scale plot-based classification approaches. Results: Our framework is based on the distinction of four structural elements (plot record, vegetation type, consistent classification section and classification system) and two procedural elements (classification protocol and classification approach). For each element we describe essential properties that can be used for comparisons. We also review alternative choices regarding critical decisions of classification approaches; with a special focus on the procedures used to define vegetation types from plot records. We illustrate our comparative framework by applying it to different broad-scale classification approaches. Conclusions: Our framework will be useful for understanding and comparing plot-based vegetation classification approaches, as well as for integrating classification systems and their sections. We present a comparison framework for vegetation classification that distinguishes four structural elements (plot record, vegetation type, consistent classification section and classification system) and two procedural elements (classification protocol and classification approach). The framework will be useful for understanding and comparing plot-based vegetation classification approaches, as well as for integrating classification systems and their sections. © 2015 International Association for Vegetation Science.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Vegetation-plot database; vegetation type; Vegetation continuum; phytosociology; EcoVeg approach; Consistent classification section; classification system; Braun-Blanquet approach; Assignment rule
Subjects: Q Science / természettudomány > QH Natural history / természetrajz > QH540 Ecology / ökológia
Q Science / természettudomány > QK Botany / növénytan > QK01 Systematic botany / növényrendszertan
Q Science / természettudomány > QK Botany / növénytan > QK30 Plant ecology. Plant ethology / növényökológia
SWORD Depositor: MTMT SWORD
Depositing User: MTMT SWORD
Date Deposited: 14 Sep 2015 10:13
Last Modified: 14 Sep 2015 10:13
URI: http://real.mtak.hu/id/eprint/26571

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