Light and Temperature

Abstract

Species-specific relations between organisms and the physicochemical properties of the environment are important in ecology. Yet the correlation of a biological property and a physicochemical factor is often poor. Some “holists ” blame the reductionist method of analysis because the organism as a “whole” experiences an interactive combination of environmental factors. Not the unspecific environment but the species-specific “Wirkwelt” and “Mërkwelt” is of importance. A more modern term like abiotic niche reflects that opinion. The notion is difficult to make operational. Even large data sets and sophisticated statistical analysis guarantee no biological understanding.