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Ecology; Definition, Types, Importance And Examples: Are you also looking for the basic study material to understand the concepts easily? Well, don't worry as we got you covered. Read the article to learn about the concept of Ecology.
What Is Ecology?
Ecology is a branch of science that focuses on the relationship between living organisms and their environment. The concepts can be studied at various levels, such as organism, population, community, biosphere and ecosystem.
The Primary Goal Of An Ecologist
Well, an ecologist’s primary goal is to improve the understanding of the life processes, adaptations and habitats, interaction and biodiversity of organisms.
Biotic And Abiotic Factors
The concept of ecology focuses on two components that is biotic components and abiotic components. The biotic and abiotic factors include the living and non-living factors and their interaction with the environment.
What Are Biotic Components?
Biotic components are the living factors of an ecosystem. They include all the living things in an ecosystem. A few examples are animals, bacteria and fungi.
What Are Abiotic Components?
Abiotic components include all the non-living, physical and chemical components of an ecosystem. Some of the examples can be:
Physical: Temperature, water, light, wind, soil composition
Chemical: Carbon dioxide, oxygen, nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus)
Types Of Ecology
Ecology can be classified into many different types. Let’s take a look at them and learn them the easy way.
- Global Ecology
It studies large-scale ecological phenomena like climate change and biogeochemical cycles. It deals with interaction among the earth’s ecosystems.
- Landscape Ecology
It deals with the spatial pattern of ecosystems across all the large areas. It throws light on the role of human impact on various landscape structures.
- Community Ecology
It analyses how various populations interact with each other across the larger areas. Community ecology is made by two or more different populations of species living together.
- Ecosystem ecology
It examines the flow of energy within an ecosystem. This type of ecology deals with the entire ecosystem.
- Population Ecology
If we talk about Population Ecology, then it deals with the factors that alter and impact the genetic composition and the size of the population of organisms.
- Molecular Ecology
When it comes to Molecular Ecology, then it deals with the use of genetic tools to study how genes and genetic variation can influence populations and ecological processes.
- Behavioural Ecology
This type of ecology investigates how an organism’s behaviour can help it to survive and also reproduce in the environment.
What Is The Importance Of Ecology?
The importance of ecology is fundamental to understanding the world around us and the place within it. Here's how ecology benefits us.
- Sustainability
Ecology tells us how to live in harmony with the environment that surrounds us. It is important to bring sustainability to understand the ecosystems.
- Biodiversity
With the help of ecology, we get to appreciate the diversity of living organisms we have around us. Biodiversity is important for a healthy ecosystem.
- Conservation of environment
Ecology can help us understand the importance of the conservation of the environment and the important measures we can take to protect it.
- Informed Decision Making
By understanding ecology, humans can take a step further to make informed decisions that lead to the betterment of the environment.
- Eco-friendliness
Ecology can help to encourage harmonious and peaceful living within the different species and adopt a lifestyle that suits the environment.
Examples Of Ecology
- Decomposers and Nutrient Cycling:
Biotic Factors: Fungi, dead leaves, bacteria and animal remains.
Process: Decomposers (fungi and bacteria) break down the dead organic matter and release the nutrients back into the soil. These nutrients are then taken up by plants completing the nutrient cycle.
With this example, we can show the crucial role of decomposers in maintaining a healthy ecosystem by recycling nutrients.
- Human Ecology
This example tells us the relationships between humans and the environment. Human ecology gives us insights into how humans can improve themselves for the betterment of the environment.
With the help of this article, we hope that the students can understand the basic concept of ecology. For more such updates, keep following Jagran Josh.
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