1 Samuel M. Scheiner and Michael R. Willig, eds. 1. A General ...

Experiments invoke theory
In addition to the impact of well defined, broad scope propositions such as succession theory,
island biogeography theory, or metabolic theory of ecology already mentioned, theory affects
ecology in many indirect ways. As ecology expanded its use of experiments, theory was one of
the most common motivations for experiments. While attributing credit to theory may be
difficult for empirical generalizations, particularly those accumulated from numerous cases over
long periods of time, experiments almost invariably find roots and rationale in theory. Whether
this is a general theory, a specific model, or even a vague model, depends on the preferences or
awareness of the authors of the experiment. It might be difficult to find a contemporary paper
that presents experiments that makes no reference to some theory.
Theories provide comfort
Most ecologists are familiar with, or at least heard of, population growth models, foraging
theory, competition models, metapopulations, niche theory, succession theory, or island
biogeography theory. This is because much of ecological research is either motivated by these
theories and models, or their specialized offshoots, or that they are used to interpret the results of
empirical studies. Theory often provides a compass to studies whose primary purpose may be
gathering or compilation of data. In this manner, theory also provides reassurance as to the
validity and significance of efforts by offering a context within which to make strategic research
decisions. Leonardo da Vinci was right. Without these and some newer or more specialized
theories, ecological research would not make much sense beyond some practical cataloging of
observations.
General science theories enrich ecological frameworks
Examples of general science theories that enrich ecological frameworks include systems theory
and biogeography. In 1982 Allen and Starr (1982) published a book entitled “Hierarchy”. It was
meant largely as a methodological book in the broadest sense. The book refined and recast
general scientific understanding of how the world is constructed and perceived by scientists, with
a special focus on ecology. Although the book presented no quantitative formulations or theory
per se, it emphasized the inevitability of changing interpretations of the observed data sets as a
function of scale. Its impact (enhanced by a couple of companion books with Allen as co-
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