The term ecology is widely known and used. Increasingly, companies are embarking on various environmental initiatives that have a positive impact on the natural environment. But what exactly is ecology and what area does it cover? It is worth reminding ourselves of the importance of consciously incorporating ecological behaviour into everyday life.
What does the term ecology mean and what is its origin?
In schools, everyone is taught about ecology from an early age. The term "eco" has been popularised worldwide. It is used in companies to emphasise that green solutions are being introduced to encourage the purchase of a product or service and, at the same time, to care for the environment. Green - what does it mean? What exactly is the definition? Below you will find an explanation of the word ecological and what it actually does.
Ecology - a simple definition
Ecology is a multidisciplinary science that studies the interdependence of living organisms (biocenosis) with the non-living part of the ecosystem that constitutes the life zone of these organisms (biotope). The first mention of ecology is attributed to a date of around 370-287 BC and was written by the Greek philosopher, pupil and friend of Aristotle, Theophrastus of Eresos. He researched the philosophy of nature, and due to his merits he was named the precursor of ecology and the father of biology. The concept of ecology itself was coined in 1869 by Ernst Haeckel, a German evolutionist, naturalist and philosopher. The term ecology is a contamination of the Greek words oíkos (home, environment) and logos (science).
Terms related to ecology
For a proper understanding of ecology, it is useful to become familiar with important terms that are closely related to this field of science:
- Ecosystem - the ecological system formed by animals, plants and micro-organisms (biocenosis) in a defined area (biotope).
- Biotope - the non-living part of an ecosystem.
- Biocenosis - the living part of an ecosystem (animals, micro-organisms, plants).
- Homeostasis - the ability of living organisms to maintain equilibrium in their internal environment.
- Abiotic zone - an area where no living organisms are present.
- Biosphere - the layer of the Earth where living organisms occur. It includes air, land and water.
- Symbiosis - the permanent or temporary close co-existence of at least two different species (animals or plants) that mutually benefit from each other.
- Parasitism - an interdependence between two living organisms in which one benefits and the other suffers harm.
What does ecology do?
Ecology is an interdisciplinary science that encompasses a very broad range of knowledge from different areas of biology. There are several divisions that deal with separate categories, depending on the entities and phenomena studied. Ecology is divided into individual disciplines:
- Autecology - the study and determination of the relationship of adaptation and normal functioning of an organism to the environment.
- Synecology - the study of a group of living organisms of different species and the interactions between them.
- Evolutionary ecology - the study of the origin and evolutionary history of living organisms.
- Population ecology - the study of changes in the abundance of a group of organisms (population) and their functioning under the influence of ecological factors (biotic and abiotic).
Each of the categories mentioned deals with the study of different aspects of ecology. Through research, it is easier to understand phenomena in nature and the connections between living organisms and nature.
Who is an environmentalist?
Increasingly, when hearing the word 'environmentalist', activists come to mind who fight to protect the environment at all costs, even if they have no education or experience in this direction. However, ecology is a profession concerned with research, much like a doctor or biologist. Ecologists are specialists who patiently study the state of the environment and the relationships between living organisms. Thanks to this, they are able to assess what steps need to be taken so that the harmony of the environment is preserved. They also influence various types of investments that could contribute to major changes in nature.
What does it mean for something to be organic?
Advertising products as organic is increasingly encouraging customers to buy them. The public is constantly informed of the benefits that will come from shopping green in place of regular shopping. But what does it mean to say that a product is eco? Eco-friendly items are those that have been made from environmentally friendly materials. More often than not, these are reusable items made from recycled materials that have been given a 'second life'. This also applies to organic food, especially fruit and vegetables that have not been grown with artificial fertilisers. The fact that something is organic indicates that it is nature-friendly.
What is ecology and what do we count as ecology?
Ecology is the branch of biology through which we can understand why different processes occur between organisms and the environment. Through such research, it is easier to introduce behaviour into everyday life that will support the proper and safe functioning of nature, on which the lives of humans, animals and ecosystems depend. Research by ecologists also allows us to predict the consequences that may occur if we observe various changes in nature. Ultimately, everything depends on nature, which is why it is so important to take care of our surroundings, especially in today's reality, when more and more rubbish is being produced, polluting the environment.
Scope of ecology
Ecology is a very broad science. Knowledge from other areas of biology is also used for research. These disciplines consist of:
- microbiology,
- zoology,
- botany,
- physiology,
- biochemia.
This enables ecologists and businesses to know what actions need to be taken to protect and take care of the proper functioning of the environment, where various living organisms live that help maintain the balance in the surrounding ecosystem. Ecology teaches what interactions take place in nature and what consequences can occur when the balance is disturbed in the environment. It also generates a great awareness in society, which contributes to the conscious taking of ecological measures, e.g. replacing artificial fertilisers with organic ones or investing in reusable items.
