syntaxonomy

[Regis Courtecuisse]

M.P.Davey wrote:
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> Could anyone give me a quick definition of the concept of syntaxonomy.
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> Thanks in advance,
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> Matt Davey

        Dear colleague,

        Syntaxonomy is related to phytosociology, a science where taxa
are
replaced by syntaxa.
        Phytosociology describes vegetal communities, after technical
rules
first stated and described by Prof. Braun-Blanquet, of swiss origin, who
worked in Montpellier (southern France) and created there a famous
school and institute.
        Several other trends emerged from this initial conceptual
school.
        In phytosociology, the basic level is the association (at the
same
level than the species in classical taxonomy).
An association is a syntaxon, as a species is a taxon.
        Syntaxonomy describes vegetal communities (statistical
floristical
composition and ecological significance) and arranges them in a
hierarchical system.

        I hope that these short elements are correct. I am not a
phytosociologist, but a mycologist who worked a lot in this field some
years ago. I trust my memory is OK about these main ideas but probably
true phytosociologists will improve those definitions and bring some
more information in Taxacom for you.

        Best regards and sincerely yours.

        R=E9gis
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R=E9gis Courtecuisse
D=E9partement de Botanique
Facult=E9 des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques
B.P. 83. ; F-59006 Lille Cedex (France)
T=E9l. : (33).03.20.96.40.40
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e-mail : Regis.Courtecuisse at phare.univ-lille2.fr