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The evolutionary community concept is fully armed and operational: a reply to Sagoff

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The Original Article was published on 11 February 2019

Abstract

In 2017 we published a paper in this journal proposing a philosophical framework for recognizing ecological communities as natural entities, the Evolutionary Community Concept (ECC). That paper attracted a lengthy reply; herein we take the opportunity to clarify critical aspects of the ECC and use a case study (the longleaf pine forest) to demonstrate how the ECC can be made operational. We maintain the ECC provides a framework useful for establishing objectives associated with ongoing and proposed restoration and conservation efforts.

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Acknowledgements

E. Clarke, S. Hermann and J. Kush provided critical reviews of earlier versions of this manuscript. This work is dedicated to the memory of our colleague and teacher, Dr. Nanette Chadwick.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA

    Kyle Barrett

  2. Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA

    Craig Guyer

  3. Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Gainesville, FL, 32604, USA

    David A. Steen

Authors
  1. Kyle Barrett
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  2. Craig Guyer
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  3. David A. Steen
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Authors contributed equally from conception to writing and editing.

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Correspondence to David A. Steen.

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Barrett, K., Guyer, C. & Steen, D.A. The evolutionary community concept is fully armed and operational: a reply to Sagoff. Biol Philos 35, 57 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10539-020-09775-x

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