Introduction:
In the realm of geography, a term called “Ontography” was introduced by W.M. Davis, who sought to define the organic aspect of the discipline. He emphasized the correlation between the inorganic conditions of the physical environment and the organic responses of living forms. In this blog post, we will delve into the concept of ontography, its significance in geography, and the influence of W.M. Davis on the field.
Understanding Ontography:
Ontography, as proposed by Davis, involves studying the relationship between the physical environment and the behavior, growth, and distribution of living organisms. Geographers aim to rationalize the connection between the inorganic elements that make up the environment and the organic reactions of living forms.
his holistic approach forms the basis of modern geography, encompassing both physiography (the study of inorganic conditions) and ontography (the study of organic responses).
Davis’ Contributions:
W.M. Davis played a pivotal role in expanding the scope of geography. He sought to establish cause-and-effect relationships between the inorganic control of the Earth and the organic responses of its inhabitants.
His emphasis on causal relationships became a unifying principle in geography, providing a framework for understanding the discipline. Davis’ ontography aligned with a positivist approach, focusing on factual content and empirical questions.
Environmental Determinism:
Davis drew inspiration from the Darwinian concept of natural selection and adaptation. He emphasized the relationship between the physical environment and human behavior, proposing the idea of environmental determinism.
According to this perspective, the environment acts as a controlling factor, influencing human responses and shaping their behavior. Davis’ ideas gained influence in Europe, particularly in Germany and France, and continued to dominate American geography for several decades.
Legacy and Influences:
The impact of Davis’ ontography extended beyond his lifetime. His colleagues and followers at Harvard, including Douglas W. Curtis, F. Marbut, and Robert Dec Ward, carried forward his ideas and contributed to various aspects of geography. Curtis focused on the evolution of shorelines, Marbut applied the Davisian paradigm to soil studies, and Ward specialized in climatology. Ward’s work explored the effects of different climates on human life, and he made significant contributions to the organization of climatological data.
Conclusion:
Ontography, as conceptualized by W.M. Davis, offers valuable insights into the relationship between the environment and living forms. Davis’ ideas continue to shape the field of geography, emphasizing the correlation between the physical world and the responses of organisms.
By understanding ontography, we can gain a deeper understanding of how our environment influences our behavior, growth, and distribution, ultimately contributing to a comprehensive study of geography.
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