limits to the application of ecology
Considerable research has investigated the structure and function of wildland ecosystems. This research has been instrumental in determining the biogeographical, biogeochemical, environmental, and physiological patterns that characterize these ecosystems. In addition, research has elucidated some of the underlying mechanisms that control patterns of species distribution and abundance. Most importantly, however, research to date has identified many tentative explanations (i.e., hypotheses) for
observed ecological phenomena. Many of these hypotheses have not been tested explicitly, which has limited the ability of ecology, as a discipline,to foresee or help solve managerial problems (Underwood 1995).
The contribution of science to management is further constrained by the lack of conceptual unity within ecology and the disparity in the goals of science and management.