I've been skimming over this discussion and trying not to get involved. My observation (which probably has already been covered) is that, except for extinction, there are no absolutes in the field of ecology. We can't even standardize the word's spelling (ecology vs. oecology) and its meaning (does ecology=environmentalism?). So terms such as native, invasive, indigenous, endemic, exotic, introduced, etc. all have to be considered and defined in terms of a particular context or usage.
Warren W. Aney Senior Wildlife Ecologist -----Original Message----- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Chris Carlson Sent: Tuesday, 20 March, 2012 08:13 To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] definition of "native" Came across this "op-documentary" this morning on the New York Times. Cute - and just the kind of thing that is helping shift our cultural awareness to be specifically accepting of certain non-natives on our landscape. Just don't plant your garden by the canal! http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/20/opinion/hi-im-a-nutria.html
