What is Ecology?

Ecology is a branch of science, including human science, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere. Ecology is the study of organisms, the environment and how the organisms interact with each other and their environment. It is studied at various levels, such as organism, population, community, biosphere, and ecosystem.

Ecolgy means ;Ecology is a branch of science, including human science, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere. Ecology is the study of organisms, the environment and how the organisms interact with each other and their environment. It is studied at various levels, such as organism, population, community, biosphere, and ecosystem. Ecologist’s primary goal is to improve their understanding of life processes, adaptations and habitats, interactions and biodiversity of organisms. Let us have a detailed look at the ecology notes provided here and explore the concept of ecology. Biotic and Abiotic Factors The main aim of ecology is to understand the distribution of biotic and abiotic factors of living things in the environment. The biotic and abiotic factors include the living and non-living factors and their interaction with the environment. Biotic components Biotic components Biotic components are living factors of an ecosystem. A few examples of biotic components include bacteria, animals, birds, fungi, plants, etc. Abiotic components Abiotic components Abiotic components are non-living chemical and physical factors of an ecosystem. These components could be acquired from the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. A few examples of abiotic components include sunlight, soil, air, moisture minerals, and more. Living organisms are grouped into biotic components, whereas non-living components like sunlight, water, topography are listed under abiotic components. Types of Ecology Types of Ecology The diagram showing different Types of Ecology Ecology can be classified into different types. The different types of ecology are given below: Global Ecology It deals with interactions among earth’s ecosystems, land, atmosphere, and oceans. It helps to understand the large-scale interactions and their influence on the planet. Landscape Ecology It deals with the exchange of energy, materials, organisms, and other products of ecosystems. Landscape ecology throws light on the role of human impacts on the landscape structures and functions. Ecosystem Ecology It deals with the entire ecosystem, including the study of living and non-living components and their relationship with the environment. This science research how ecosystems work, their interactions, etc. Community Ecology It deals with how community structure is modified by interactions among living organisms. Ecology community is made up of two or more populations of different species living in a particular geographic area. Population Ecology It deals with factors that alter and impact the genetic composition and the size of the population of organisms. Ecologists are interested in fluctuations in the size of a population, the growth of a population and any other interactions with the population. In biology, a population can be defined as a set of individuals of the same species living in a given place at a given time. Births and immigration are the main factors that increase the population and death and emigration are the main factors that decrease the population. Population ecology examines the population distribution and density. Population density is the number of individuals in a given volume or area. This helps in determining whether a particular species is in endanger or its number is to be controlled and resources to be replenished. Organismal Ecology Organismal ecology is the study of an individual organism’s behaviour, morphology, physiology, etc. in response to environmental challenges. It looks at how individual organisms interact with biotic and abiotic components. Ecologists research how organisms are adapted to these non-living and living components of their surroundings. Individual species are related to various adaptations like physiological adaptation, morphological adaptation, and behavioural adaptation. Molecular Ecology The study of ecology focuses on the production of proteins and how these proteins affect the organisms and their environment. This happens at the molecular level. DNA forms the proteins that interact with each other and the environment. These interactions give rise to some complex organisms. Importance of Ecology The following reasons explain the importance of ecology: Conservation of Environment Ecology helps us to understand how our actions affect the environment. It shows the individuals the extent of damage we cause to the environment. Lack of understanding of ecology has led to the degradation of land and the environment. It has also led to the extinction and endangerment of certain species. For eg., dinosaurs, white shark, mammoths, etc. Thus, the study of the environment and organisms helps us to protect them from any damage and danger. Resource Allocation With the knowledge of ecology, we are able to know which resources are necessary for the survival of different organisms. Lack of ecological knowledge has led to scarcity and deprivation of these resources, leading to competition. Energy Conservation All organisms require energy for their growth and development. Lack of ecological understanding leads to the over-exploitation of energy resources such as light, nutrition, and radiation, leading to its depletion. Proper knowledge of ecological requirements prevents the unnecessary wastage of energy resources, thereby, conserving energy for future purposes. Eco-Friendliness Ecology encourages harmonious living within the species and the adoption of a lifestyle that protects the ecology of life. Examples of Ecology Following are a few examples of ecology: Human Ecology It focuses on the relationship between humans and the environment. It emphasizes the impact human beings have on the environment and gives knowledge on how we can improve ourselves for the betterment of humans and the environment. Niche Construction It deals with the study of how organisms alter the environment for the benefit of themselves and other living beings. For eg, termites create a 6 feet tall mound and at the same time feed and protect their entire population. Also Read: Biodiversity To explore more about what is ecology, importance, and types of ecology, keep visiting the BYJU’S website or download the BYJU’S app for further reference. Frequently Asked Questions What is ecology? Ecology is the branch of science that deals with the relationship of organisms with one another and with their physical surroundings. What are the different levels of ecology? The different levels of ecology include- organisms, communities, population and ecosystem. What are the different types of ecology? The different types of ecology include- molecular ecology, organismal ecology, population ecology, community ecology, global ecology, landscape ecology and ecosystem ecology. How are ecology and evolution related? Ecology plays a significant role in forming new species and modifying the existing ones. Natural selection is one of the many factors that influence evolutionary change. Who devised the word ecology? Ecology was first devised by Ernst Haeckel, a German Zoologist. However, ecology has its origins in other sciences such as geology, biology, and evolution among others. What is habitat ecology? Habitat ecology is the type of natural environment in which a particular species of an organism live, characterized by both physical and biological features. What is a niche? An organism free from the interference of other species and can use a full range of biotic and abiotic resources in which it can survive and reproduce is known as its fundamental niche. Register at BYJU’S for more ecology notes. Refer to these notes for reference. Related Links Living Organisms Ecosystem Species BIOLOGY Related Links Pituitary Gland Functions and Disorders Eukaryotic Cells Mendel Experiment Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting Herbivorous Animals Who Discovered Cell Xylem and Phloem Dihybrid Cross Weight of Human Heart Energy Flow in Ecosystem CBSE Sample Papers CBSE Sample Papers Class 8 Science CBSE Sample Papers Class 9 Science CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 Science CBSE Sample Papers Class 11 Physics CBSE Sample Papers Class 11 Chemistry CBSE Sample Papers Class 11 Biology CBSE Sample Papers Class 12 Physics CBSE Sample Papers Class 12 Chemistry CBSE Sample Papers Class 12 Biology CBSE Previous Year Question Papers CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Science CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Physics CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Chemistry CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Biology ICSE Sample Papers ICSE Sample Papers Class 8 Physics ICSE Sample Papers Class 8 Chemistry ICSE Sample Papers Class 8 Biology ICSE Sample Papers Class 9 Physics ICSE Sample Papers Class 9 Chemistry ICSE Sample Papers Class 9 Biology ICSE Sample Papers Class 10 Physics ICSE Sample Papers Class 10 Chemistry ICSE Sample Papers Class 10 Biology ISC Sample Papers Class 11 Physics ISC Sample Papers Class 11 Chemistry ISC Sample Papers Class 11 Biology ISC Sample Papers Class 12 Physics ISC Sample Papers Class 12 Chemistry ISC Sample Papers Class 12 Biology ICSE Previous Year Question Papers ICSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Physics ICSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Chemistry ICSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Maths ISC Previous Year Question Papers class 12 ISC Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Physics ISC Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Chemistry ISC Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Biology Register For Free Ask A Doubt Join BYJU'S Learning Program Name Mobile Number City / Town Email Address Submit 13 Comments GARBA MAMUDA JANUARY 17, 2020 AT 11:12 AM THANK FOR YOUR GOOD EXPLANATION OF ECOLOGY REPLY Emmanuel Raphael JANUARY 24, 2020 AT 8:41 PM what is tolerance REPLY Mentor MARCH 5, 2020 AT 2:47 PM Tolerance is defined as an organism’s capacity to survive variation in environmental conditions. For example, a polar bear can thrive in the sub-zero temperatures of the Arctic, but it cannot survive in warmer climates such as the tropics. REPLY Idris Alhaji MARCH 14, 2020 AT 12:04 PM Thanks so much REPLY USMAN Idris MARCH 15, 2020 AT 5:05 PM tank you for good explain REPLY munyole MARCH 20, 2020 AT 11:41 PM the interaction of living and non living things in the community REPLY Nhial Athian Bol MARCH 30, 2020 AT 1:19 PM thank you for giving details REPLY traimo APRIL 6, 2020 AT 6:20 PM thank you for good expression REPLY Ongeyrwoth gilbert MAY 26, 2020 AT 1:07 AM Thanks for such a explanation REPLY Abatan ayomide JUNE 4, 2020 AT 2:19 PM Thanks for the explanation REPLY Larta JUNE 13, 2020 AT 10:38 PM Thanks for such explanation REPLY Bankala Ramulu JUNE 21, 2020 AT 4:22 PM thankyou so mach for your explanation REPLY Henrietta JUNE 25, 2020 AT 5:13 PM Wow I enjoyed the explanations thanks REPLY Leave a Comment Your email address will not be published. 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Ecology is a branch of science, including human science, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere. Ecology is the study of organisms, the environment and how the organisms interact with each other and their environment. It is studied at various levels, such as organism, population, community, biosphere, and ecosystem. Ecologist’s primary goal is to improve their understanding of life processes, adaptations and habitats, interactions and biodiversity of organisms. Let us have a detailed look at the ecology notes provided here and explore the concept of ecology. Biotic and Abiotic Factors The main aim of ecology is to understand the distribution of biotic and abiotic factors of living things in the environment. The biotic and abiotic factors include the living and non-living factors and their interaction with the environment. Biotic components Biotic components Biotic components are living factors of an ecosystem. A few examples of biotic components include bacteria, animals, birds, fungi, plants, etc. Abiotic components Abiotic components Abiotic components are non-living chemical and physical factors of an ecosystem. These components could be acquired from the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. A few examples of abiotic components include sunlight, soil, air, moisture minerals, and more. Living organisms are grouped into biotic components, whereas non-living components like sunlight, water, topography are listed under abiotic components. Types of Ecology Types of Ecology The diagram showing different Types of Ecology Ecology can be classified into different types. The different types of ecology are given below: Global Ecology It deals with interactions among earth’s ecosystems, land, atmosphere, and oceans. It helps to understand the large-scale interactions and their influence on the planet. Landscape Ecology It deals with the exchange of energy, materials, organisms, and other products of ecosystems. Landscape ecology throws light on the role of human impacts on the landscape structures and functions. Ecosystem Ecology It deals with the entire ecosystem, including the study of living and non-living components and their relationship with the environment. This science research how ecosystems work, their interactions, etc. Community Ecology It deals with how community structure is modified by interactions among living organisms. Ecology community is made up of two or more populations of different species living in a particular geographic area. Population Ecology It deals with factors that alter and impact the genetic composition and the size of the population of organisms. Ecologists are interested in fluctuations in the size of a population, the growth of a population and any other interactions with the population. In biology, a population can be defined as a set of individuals of the same species living in a given place at a given time. Births and immigration are the main factors that increase the population and death and emigration are the main factors that decrease the population. Population ecology examines the population distribution and density. Population density is the number of individuals in a given volume or area. This helps in determining whether a particular species is in endanger or its number is to be controlled and resources to be replenished. Organismal Ecology Organismal ecology is the study of an individual organism’s behaviour, morphology, physiology, etc. in response to environmental challenges. It looks at how individual organisms interact with biotic and abiotic components. Ecologists research how organisms are adapted to these non-living and living components of their surroundings. Individual species are related to various adaptations like physiological adaptation, morphological adaptation, and behavioural adaptation. Molecular Ecology The study of ecology focuses on the production of proteins and how these proteins affect the organisms and their environment. This happens at the molecular level. DNA forms the proteins that interact with each other and the environment. These interactions give rise to some complex organisms. Importance of Ecology The following reasons explain the importance of ecology: Conservation of Environment Ecology helps us to understand how our actions affect the environment. It shows the individuals the extent of damage we cause to the environment. Lack of understanding of ecology has led to the degradation of land and the environment. It has also led to the extinction and endangerment of certain species. For eg., dinosaurs, white shark, mammoths, etc. Thus, the study of the environment and organisms helps us to protect them from any damage and danger. Resource Allocation With the knowledge of ecology, we are able to know which resources are necessary for the survival of different organisms. Lack of ecological knowledge has led to scarcity and deprivation of these resources, leading to competition. Energy Conservation All organisms require energy for their growth and development. Lack of ecological understanding leads to the over-exploitation of energy resources such as light, nutrition, and radiation, leading to its depletion. Proper knowledge of ecological requirements prevents the unnecessary wastage of energy resources, thereby, conserving energy for future purposes. Eco-Friendliness Ecology encourages harmonious living within the species and the adoption of a lifestyle that protects the ecology of life. Examples of Ecology Following are a few examples of ecology: Human Ecology It focuses on the relationship between humans and the environment. It emphasizes the impact human beings have on the environment and gives knowledge on how we can improve ourselves for the betterment of humans and the environment. Niche Construction It deals with the study of how organisms alter the environment for the benefit of themselves and other living beings. For eg, termites create a 6 feet tall mound and at the same time feed and protect their entire population. Also Read: Biodiversity To explore more about what is ecology, importance, and types of ecology, keep visiting the BYJU’S website or download the BYJU’S app for further reference. Frequently Asked Questions What is ecology? Ecology is the branch of science that deals with the relationship of organisms with one another and with their physical surroundings. What are the different levels of ecology? The different levels of ecology include- organisms, communities, population and ecosystem. What are the different types of ecology? The different types of ecology include- molecular ecology, organismal ecology, population ecology, community ecology, global ecology, landscape ecology and ecosystem ecology. How are ecology and evolution related? Ecology plays a significant role in forming new species and modifying the existing ones. Natural selection is one of the many factors that influence evolutionary change. Who devised the word ecology? Ecology was first devised by Ernst Haeckel, a German Zoologist. However, ecology has its origins in other sciences such as geology, biology, and evolution among others. What is habitat ecology? Habitat ecology is the type of natural environment in which a particular species of an organism live, characterized by both physical and biological features. What is a niche? An organism free from the interference of other species and can use a full range of biotic and abiotic resources in which it can survive and reproduce is known as its fundamental niche. Register at BYJU’S for more ecology notes. Refer to these notes for reference. Related Links Living Organisms Ecosystem Species BIOLOGY Related Links Pituitary Gland Functions and Disorders Eukaryotic Cells Mendel Experiment Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting Herbivorous Animals Who Discovered Cell Xylem and Phloem Dihybrid Cross Weight of Human Heart Energy Flow in Ecosystem CBSE Sample Papers CBSE Sample Papers Class 8 Science CBSE Sample Papers Class 9 Science CBSE Sample Papers Class 10 Science CBSE Sample Papers Class 11 Physics CBSE Sample Papers Class 11 Chemistry CBSE Sample Papers Class 11 Biology CBSE Sample Papers Class 12 Physics CBSE Sample Papers Class 12 Chemistry CBSE Sample Papers Class 12 Biology CBSE Previous Year Question Papers CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Science CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Physics CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Chemistry CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Biology ICSE Sample Papers ICSE Sample Papers Class 8 Physics ICSE Sample Papers Class 8 Chemistry ICSE Sample Papers Class 8 Biology ICSE Sample Papers Class 9 Physics ICSE Sample Papers Class 9 Chemistry ICSE Sample Papers Class 9 Biology ICSE Sample Papers Class 10 Physics ICSE Sample Papers Class 10 Chemistry ICSE Sample Papers Class 10 Biology ISC Sample Papers Class 11 Physics ISC Sample Papers Class 11 Chemistry ISC Sample Papers Class 11 Biology ISC Sample Papers Class 12 Physics ISC Sample Papers Class 12 Chemistry ISC Sample Papers Class 12 Biology ICSE Previous Year Question Papers ICSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Physics ICSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Chemistry ICSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Maths ISC Previous Year Question Papers class 12 ISC Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Physics ISC Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Chemistry ISC Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Biology Register For Free Ask A Doubt Join BYJU'S Learning Program Name Mobile Number City / Town Email Address 13 Comments GARBA MAMUDA JANUARY 17, 2020 AT 11:12 AM THANK FOR YOUR GOOD EXPLANATION OF ECOLOGY REPLY Emmanuel Raphael JANUARY 24, 2020 AT 8:41 PM what is tolerance REPLY Mentor MARCH 5, 2020 AT 2:47 PM Tolerance is defined as an organism’s capacity to survive variation in environmental conditions. For example, a polar bear can thrive in the sub-zero temperatures of the Arctic, but it cannot survive in warmer climates such as the tropics. REPLY Idris Alhaji MARCH 14, 2020 AT 12:04 PM Thanks so much REPLY USMAN Idris MARCH 15, 2020 AT 5:05 PM tank you for good explain REPLY munyole MARCH 20, 2020 AT 11:41 PM the interaction of living and non living things in the community REPLY Nhial Athian Bol MARCH 30, 2020 AT 1:19 PM thank you for giving details REPLY traimo APRIL 6, 2020 AT 6:20 PM thank you for good expression REPLY Ongeyrwoth gilbert MAY 26, 2020 AT 1:07 AM Thanks for such a explanation REPLY Abatan ayomide JUNE 4, 2020 AT 2:19 PM Thanks for the explanation REPLY Larta JUNE 13, 2020 AT 10:38 PM Thanks for such explanation REPLY Bankala Ramulu JUNE 21, 2020 AT 4:22 PM thankyou so mach for your explanation REPLY Henrietta JUNE 25, 2020 AT 5:13 PM Wow I enjoyed the explanations thanks REPLY Leave a Comment Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment Please don't use any HTML or external links in the comment box. Name * Email * COURSES CBSEICSECATIASJEENEETCommerceBank ExamNCERT EXAMS CAT ExamIAS ExamUPSC SyllabusUPSC 2020JEE MainGovernment Exams RESOURCES BlogVideosCBSE Sample PapersCBSE Question Papers EXAM PREPARATION Free CAT PrepFree IAS PrepMathsPhysicsChemistryBiology COMPANY About UsContact UsStudent FeedbackInvestorsCareersBYJU'S in MediaStudents Stories - The Learning TreeLife at BYJU'S FOLLOW US Free Textbook Solutions NCERT SolutionsNCERT ExemplarNCERT Solutions for Class 6NCERT Solutions for Class 7NCERT Solutions for Class 8NCERT Solutions for Class 9NCERT Solutions for Class 10NCERT Solutions for Class 11NCERT Solutions for Class 12RD Sharma SolutionsRS Aggarwal SolutionsICSE Selina Solutions State Boards MaharashtraGujaratTamil NaduKarnatakaKeralaAndhra PradeshTelanganaUttar PradeshBiharRajasthanMadhya Pradesh Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Terms of Services | Sitemap © 2020, BYJU'S. All rights reserved.