What is the definition of ecology explain, Biology

Assignment Help:

What is the Definition of Ecology explain?

Scientists use the term ecology to refer to the study of the relationships between organisms, and the relationships between organisms and their environment. The public often uses another term, "environment," interchangeably with ecology. Strictly speaking, the term "environment" refers to the sum total of all the biotic (biological) and abiotic (physical factors) that affect a living organism.

The term ecology is derived from the Greek word oikos, which means "house" or "place to live." In the past, most scientific study was oriented toward how the environment, or physical factors, affected the living organisms. Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring, published in 1962, made it all too apparent that living organisms, especially humans, have a significant effect on the environment as well.

Scientists study ecology at different levels. Some ecologists concentrate on how a given species responds to physical factors. They might attempt to determine specific limits of an organism's tolerance of different environmental factors, or carry out experiments to define the physical conditions that promote optimum growth and reproduction. This area, called physiological ecology, emphasizes the experimental aspects of ecology.

Scientists also study ecology at the population level. A population is usually defined as all of the individuals of the same species that live in a given area. For instance, we can speak of the population of humans in New York City, or the population of moose on Isle Royale, Michigan. Population dynamics, the study of how populations interact with other populations and the environment, reveals the role, or niche, occupied by a population within an ecosystem. Population size and growth reflect key processes that are happening in an ecosystem, and this information is useful in predicting change.

Community ecology looks at all of the populations within a given area and how they interact. For instance, a lake community would involve studying the phytoplankton, zooplankton, filter-feeding fish, carnivorous fish, amphibians, birds, parasites, all of the invertebrates, decomposers, aquatic plants, as well as animals such as beavers, and muskrats. Understanding community interaction often leads to a clearer picture of how populations evolve.


Related Discussions:- What is the definition of ecology explain

Indications of phototherapy, Indications i) When there is an abnormal...

Indications i) When there is an abnormal rise in the bilirubin level which may be due to physiological or pathological jaundice or any other problem. ii) Prophylactic ph

Phlum protoza, what are the some examples of phlum protoza?

what are the some examples of phlum protoza?

Haptotaxis - modes of cell movement, Haptotaxis - Modes of Cell Movement ...

Haptotaxis - Modes of Cell Movement Haptotaxis considers to the directed movement of cells in response to a concentration gradient of an adhesive molecule that might be presen

Common equine diseases, COMMON EQUINE DISEASES - 1 .       INFLUENZA ...

COMMON EQUINE DISEASES - 1 .       INFLUENZA OR PINK EYE - Pink eyes. Swallon eye lids. 2.       STRANGLES - Fever, dullness, depression, nasal discharge, lumpy a

What in genetics is hybridization, What in Genetics is hybridization? T...

What in Genetics is hybridization? The Hybridization in Genetics is the crossing of individuals from "pure" and different lineages in relation to a given trait that is the cros

How is the lac operon regulated by the sigma factor, 1. Many bacterial gene...

1. Many bacterial genes show adaptive regulation of their transcription. a) How is the lac operon regulated by the sigma factor? b) How is the lac operon regulated by lactose

Coronary prevention, a) The West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study (WOS...

a) The West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study (WOSCOPS): The study randomized healthy men between the ages of 45 and 64 years with TC levels higher that 252 mg/dL and LDL chole

What are the homologous chromosomes, Q. What are the homologous chromosomes...

Q. What are the homologous chromosomes? Which are the human cells that do not have homologous chromosomes? Chromosomes contain genes genetic information in the form of nucleoti

Cleavage and gastrulation, Cleavage and Gastrulation Eventually, one s...

Cleavage and Gastrulation Eventually, one spermatozoon fuses with the ovum to r restore the diploid genomic condition and activates all the potentials in the fertilized egg ce

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd