Ecology

As with other approaches to ethnobotany, ecological studies have both qualitative and quantitative elements. Researchers often begin by describing the different ecological zones, or microenvironments, recognized and in many cases transformed by local people. These zones are characterized by distinct soils, vegetation and other components which are themselves further classified by local people and scientists. After classifying the microenvironments, ethnobotanists often make a quantitative assessment of the plant resources in each zone.