essay ecology

• Content Guidelines
• Privacy Policy

Upload Your Knowledge on Environmental Pollution:

Essay on ecology.

Read this essay to learn about ecology. After reading this essay you will learn about: 1. Introduction to Ecology 2. History and Scope of Ecology 3. Definitions 4. Origin of Ecological Crises 5. Four Laws 6. Objectives 7. Subdivisions 8. Community Ecology 9. Rules .

Essay Contents:

• Essay on Rules in Ecology

ADVERTISEMENTS:

Essay # 1. Introduction to Ecology :

Every organism invariably depends upon the environment and other organism for its existence. It either eats other organisms or is eaten by others and competes with other for the necessities of life such as food, shelter and mate survival requires group association.

Such associations and concept of organisms and their environment in general constitute the sci­ence of ecology. The word ecology was coined by Ernst Haeckel in 1869 and is derived from two Greek words oikos meaning house or place of living and logos meaning study of.

The field of ecology deals with the influence of environmental factors on all the aspects of life such as morphology, physiology, growth, distribution, behaviour and survival of the organisms. Ecology or environmental biology pertains to the study of relationship between various organisms and their environment. This includes consideration of plants, animals and human beings.

Essay # 2. History and Scope of Ecology :

The word “Ecology” derived from the Greek words “Oikos” meaning habitation, and “logos” meaning discourse or study, implies a study of the habitations of organisms.

Ecology was first described as a separate field of knowledge in 1866 by the German Zoologist Ernst Haeckel, who established the relationship of the animals to its organic as well as its inor­ganic environment, particularly its friendly or hos­tile relations to those animals or plants with which it comes in contact.

In due course ecology was defined as “A study of animals and plants in their relations to each other and to their environment”.

Ecology can be considered on a wider scale moving from an individual molecule to the entire global ecosystem.

However, four identifiable sub­divisions of scales are of particular interest:

(i) Individuals,

(ii) Populations,

(iii) Communities and

(iv) Ecosystems.

At each scale, the subjects of interest to ecologists change. At the individual level the response of individuals to their environment (biotic and abiotic) is key issue, while at the level of populations of a single species, species-spe­cies interaction is important.

In recent years it was realised that ecology is an interdisciplinary science, though its body of knowledge lies in biology yet its interaction with other disciplines are quite prominent. There are different approach for understand­ing the ecological sciences (Table 1.1), this include the study of ecology from the stand point of con­ceptual understanding, from organisms involved or habitat condition or even from point of appli­cation.

Each categories of ecological studies re­quires specialized understanding. As the science progressed much with time, the conceptual un­derstanding became more and more complex and interactive.

There are many characteristics in ecological sci­ence.

Essay # 3. Definitions of Ecology:

Ecology has been defined in various ways:

i. Ecology is the study of an organism and its environment.

ii. The study of interrelationship of organism or groups of an organism to their envi­ronment is called ecology.

Human ecology is a social science that studies the relationship between man and its environment. It studies the relationship between human biological factors and the natural environment.

Social ecology studies the relations among natural environment, population, technology and society.

The physical and the biological world that we live in is our environment.

The activities of various organisms in the environment which interact with each other are so finely balanced that they are in equilibrium in a steady state. This is known as ecological balance.

The principal causes for ecological degradation are drastic changes in the technology of agricultural and industries production and transportation.

Essay # 4. Origin of Ecological Crises :

i. Exploding population

ii. Affluent and wastefulness.

The affluent society has become an efficient society.

iii. Man’s is made aggressiveness

iv. Profits

v. Religion

vi. Technology.

Essay # 5. Four Laws of Ecology :

i. Everything is connected to everything else.

ii. Everything must go somewhere.

iii. Nature knows best.

iv. There is no such thing as a free launch.

Deep Ecology:

The word is perceived notes a collection of isolated objects but as a network of phenomena that are fundamentally interconnected and interdependent.

Shallow Ecology:

It views humans as above or outside of nature as the source of all values and prescribe only instrumental or use value to nature.

Feminist Ecology and Echo Feminism:

It links the exploitation of nature with that of women and women’s history with the history of the environment.

Industrial Ecology:

Industrial process resembles those of a natural eco system where in materials and energy circulates continuously in a complex web of interaction. Micro­organisms turn animal waste in to food for plants which are either eaten by animals or enter the cycle through death and decay.

Essay # 6. Objectives of Ecological Study :

The main objectives of this science are to study:

i. The inter-relationships between organisms in population and diverse communities.

ii. The temporal changes (seasonal, annual, successional etc.) in the occurrence of organisms.

iii. The behaviour under natural conditions.

iv. The structural adaptations and functional adjustments of organisms to their physical environment, i.e., Eco-physiology.

v. The development in the course of evolution i.e., evolutionary development.

vi. The biological productivity and energy flow in natural system, i.e., productive ecology.

vii. The development of mathematical models to relate intersection of parameters and to predict the effects.

The main objective of the study of ecology is to apply the knowledge gained from ecological study to safeguard against disasters caused by:

i. Uncontrolled interference with natural populations,

ii. Unchecked felling of trees,

iii. Environmental pollution.

Essay # 7. Subdivisions of Ecology :

I. Two important subdivisions of ecology are recognised by ecologists, these are:

i. Autecology and

ii. Synecology.

i. Autecology :

It is concerned with the ecology of an individual species and its population. While studying the autecology of a particular species, an ecologist studies, its behaviour and adap­tation to the environmental condition at every stage of that individual’s life cycle. Autecol­ogy is also called species ecology.

ii. Synecology :

It is study of communities, their composition, their behaviour and relation to the envi­ronment.

Synecology is also called Ecology of Communities

Synecology is further divided into three fields:

i. Population ecology

ii. Community ecology

iii. Ecosystem ecology

II. On the basis of the kind of environment or habitat, ecology has been sub-divided into the following branches:

III. With advancing trends in the fields of ecology, present day ecologists divide ecol­ogy into the following branches:

Essay # 8. Community Ecology :

A population of a single species cannot survive by itself because there is inter depen­dence of one form of life on another. An aggregation of populations of different species living together (in inter dependence) in a specific area, having a specific set of environmen­tal conditions constitute a biotic community e.g., the various plants and animals in a pond or lake constitute on biotic community whereas the plants and animals in a particular forest constitute another biotic community.

Broadly speaking, there are two types of communities.

These are major and minor community:

(i) Major Community:

It is large community which is self-regulating, self-sustain­ing and independent unit comprising of a number of minor communities in it. Examples of major communities are: a pond, a lake, a forest, a desert, a meadow and a grassland. Each of these major communities includes several minor commu­nities.

(ii) Minor Community:

It is a smaller community which is not a self-sustaining unit. It is dependent on other communities for its existence. The major community exemplified by a forest has many minor communities namely the plant commu­nity (the plant population of the forest), the animal community (the animal popu­lation of the forest) and the microbial community (bacteria and fungi population).

Characteristics of a Community :

A community has the following characteristics:

(i) Structure:

Structure of a community can be studied by determining the density, frequency and abundance of species.

(ii) Dominance:

Usually a community has one or more species which occur in large number. Such species are called dominants and the community is often named after them.

(iii) Diversity:

The community consists of different groups of plants and animals of different species, may be large and small, may belong to one life from or another but are essentially growing in a uniform environment.

(iv) Periodicity:

This includes study of various life processes (respiration, growth, reproduction etc.) in the various seasons of the year in the dominant species of a community.

The recurrence of these important life processes at regular intervals in a year and their manifestation in nature is termed periodicity.

(v) Stratification:

Natural forest communities possess a number of layers or storeys or strata related to the height of plants, for example, tall trees, smaller trees, shrubs and herbaceous layers form the different strata. This phenomenon in a plant community is called stratification.

(vi) Eco-tone and Edge-effect:

A zone of vegetation spreading or separating two dif­ferent types of communities is called ecotone. These are marginal zones and are easily recognisable.

Usually, in ecotones, the variety of one species is larger than in any of the adjacent communities. A phenomenon of increased variety and intensity of plants at the common junction is called edge-effect and is essentially due to wider range of suitable environmental conditions.

(vii) Ecological Niche:

Different species of animals and plants fulfil different functions in the ecological complex. The role of each is spoken of as its ecological niche i.e., the role is that a species plays in its ecosystem: what it eats, who eats it, its range of movement etc., in other words, the total range of its interaction with other species of its environment.

We can also say that ecological niche is a small habitat within a habitat in which only a single species can survive.

E.P. Odum has differentiated habitat and ecological niche by saying that the habitat is an organism’s address and the ecological niche is its profession.

(viii) Ecological Succession:

Communities are not static but progressively change with time in a definite manner. This change of the plant and animal communities in an orderly sequence in an area is called ecological or biotic succession. Ecological succession finally leads to a stable nature community called climax community.

(ix) Interspecific Association:

This is the study of two or more species growing to­gether in close association in regular occurrence.

(x) Community Productivity:

The study of production of biomass (organic matter) is known as production ecology.

The net production of biomass and storage of energy by a community per unit time and area is called community productivity.

(xi) Biotic Stability:

A biotic community has the ability to quickly regain equilibrium after a disturbance in population fluctuation. This is called biotic stability and is directly proportional to the number of interacting species it contains i.e., the diversity in the community.

Before man encroached upon it, the world biosphere was a large climax community resulting from thousands of years of evolution. With increase in population, the demand for space has been steadily increasing and so the ecosystem have been rapidly exploited beyond the capacity of the environment to adjust, thereby totally disrupting the balance of nature.

Before a point of no return is reached, man should stop manipulating the environment to his advantage. The survival of mankind will be in peril of pollution of the environment, degra­dation of the land, over consumption and wasteful use of natural resources are not checked immediately. Development should be the result of scientific management based on ecologi­cal principles.

Concern for environment protection was shown in the conference on Human environment held at Stockholm in June, 1972. The prime objective of the conference was to focus attention on the major environmental issues, to recognise and identify the causes for environmental degradation and the need to prevent and control it.

The conference called upon all the nations of the world to protect, improve, preserve and enhance the environment for the present and future generations.

In the United Nations conference on Environment and Development at Rio de Janeiro held in June, 1992, an action plan was formulated for solving the major environmental prob­lems threatening the environment, like,

(a) Global warming

(b) Ozone layer depletion

(c) Pollution of air, water and land

(d) Acid rain or acid precipitation

(e) Desertification

(f) Soil erosion

(g) Deforestation and

(h) Depletion of genetic resources

The pressing need today is environmentally compatible development to protect the en­vironment for the future generation and to restore the ecological balance on earth.

Some recent initiatives for defining ecological standards ISO 14000.

ii. Eco Management and audit scheme

iii. Life cycle assessment

Essay # 9. Rules in Ecology:

i. Ecology is a Science:

It is a purely scientific discipline which aims to understand the rela­tionships between organisms and their wider environment.

ii. Ecology is only Understandable in the Light of Evolution:

The huge diversity of organisms and the wealth of variety in their morpholo­gies, physiologies and behavioural all are the result of many millions of years of evolution.

iii. Nothing Happens ‘for the Good of the Spe­cies’:

The patterns of behaviour organisms is regulated by natural selection even though it is detrimental for species.

iv. Gene and Environment are both Impor­tant:

The environment of an organism finds itself in playing an important role in deter­mining the options open to any individuals.

v. Understanding of Complexity Requires Models:

Ecology is a complex subject with huge variation in almost every scale. To under­stand these complexity mathematical model is required.

vi. Story Telling is Dangerous:

To explain the ecological process hypothesis has to be ex­plained properly.

vii. There are Hierarchies of Explanations:

For any observation there is often an immediate and delayed causes. These hierarchies need to be explained properly.

viii. There are Multiple Constrains on Organ­isms:

In evolution of species there are a num­ber of constrain (physical and evolutionary) on organisms.

ix. Chance is Important:

Chance events in ecol­ogy play a crucial role.

x. The Boundaries of Ecology are in the Mind of the Ecologist:

Domain of ecological un­derstanding is highly flexible. Modern ecology is thus an interdisciplinary science with various subdivision like plant ecol­ogy, animal ecology, and microbial ecology. It can further be segmented as ecology of individuals (autecology) or groups (synecology). With passage of time, varieties of dimensions of ecological sci­ences were developed with their interlink ages (Fig. 1.1).

Related Articles:

• Climax Community in Ecology: Characteristics and Theories
• Essay on Ecological Pyramid | Ecosystem | Ecology | Environment

Upload and Share Your Article:

• Description *
• Author Name *
• Author Email Id. (required) *
• File Drop files here or Select files Max. file size: 128 MB, Max. files: 5.
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Essay , Biology , Ecology , Essay on Ecology

Privacy Overview

If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

To log in and use all the features of Khan Academy, please enable JavaScript in your browser.

Biology library

Course: biology library   >   unit 28.

• Ecology introduction

What is ecology?

• Ecological levels: from individuals to ecosystems
• Intro to ecology
• Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with one another and with their physical environment.
• The distribution and abundance of organisms on Earth is shaped by both biotic , living-organism-related, and abiotic , nonliving or physical, factors.
• Ecology is studied at many levels, including organism, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere.

Welcome to ecology!

Biotic and abiotic factors.

• Maybe the mold needs a certain amount of water to grow, and this amount of water is found only in the shower. Water availability is an example of an abiotic , or nonliving, factor that can affect distribution of organisms.
• Maybe mold feeds off of dead skin cells found in the shower, but not in the dresser. Availability of nutrients provided by other organisms is an example of a biotic , living-organism-related, factor that can influence distribution.

Case study: the red panda

How do ecologists ask questions, ecology at many scales.

• Organism: Organismal ecologists study adaptations , beneficial features arising by natural selection, that allow organisms to live in specific habitats. These adaptations can be morphological, physiological, or behavioral.
• Population: A population is a group of organisms of the same species that live in the same area at the same time. Population ecologists study the size, density, and structure of populations and how they change over time.
• Community: A biological community consists of all the populations of different species that live in a given area. Community ecologists focus on interactions between populations and how these interactions shape the community.
• Ecosystem: An ecosystem consists of all the organisms in an area, the community, and the abiotic factors that influence that community. Ecosystem ecologists often focus on flow of energy and recycling of nutrients.
• Biosphere: The biosphere is planet Earth, viewed as an ecological system. Ecologists working at the biosphere level may study global patterns—for example, climate or species distribution—interactions among ecosystems, and phenomena that affect the entire globe, such as climate change.

Attribution

Works cited.

• "Red panda." World Wildlife Fund. Accessed June 7, 2016. http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/red-panda .
• A. Glatston, F. Wei, Than Zaw, and A. Sherpa, " Ailurus fulgens ." In The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2015): e.T714A45195924. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLTS.T714A45195924.en .
• Sean Breslin. "The Red Panda Could Become the Cutest Victim of Climate Change." The Weather Channel. August 19, 2015. https://weather.com/science/environment/news/red-panda-climate-change-fears .

Additional references

Want to join the conversation.

• Upvote Button navigates to signup page
• Downvote Button navigates to signup page
• Flag Button navigates to signup page

Ecology Essay Ideas

• Writing Essays
• Writing Research Papers
• English Grammar
• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

Ecology is the study of the interactions and reciprocal influence of living organisms within a specific environment. It's usually taught in the context of biology, though some high schools also offer courses in Environmental Science which includes topics in ecology.

Ecology Topics to Choose From

Topics within the field can range broadly, so your choices of topics are practically endless! The list below may help you generate your own ideas for a research paper or essay.

Research Topics

• How are new predators introduced into an area? Where has this happened in the United States?
• How is the ecosystem of your backyard different from the ecosystem of another person's backyard ecosystem?
• How is a desert ecosystem different from a forest ecosystem?
• What is the history and impact of manure?
• How are different types of manure good or bad?
• How has the popularity of sushi impacted the earth?
• What trends in eating habits have impacted our environment?
• What hosts and parasites exist in your home?
• Pick five products from your refrigerator, including the packaging. How long would it take for the products to decay in the earth?
• How are trees affected by acid rain?
• How do you build an ecovillage?
• How clean is the air in your town?
• What is the soil from your yard made of?
• Why are coral reefs important?
• Explain the ecosystem of a cave. How could that system be disturbed?
• Explain how rotting wood impacts the earth and people.
• What ten things could you recycle in your home?
• How is recycled paper made?
• How much carbon dioxide is released into the air every day because of fuel consumption in cars? How could this be reduced?
• How much paper is thrown away in your town every day? How could we use paper that is thrown away?
• How could each family save water?
• How does discarded motor oil affect the environment?
• How can we increase the use of public transportation? How would that help the environment?
• Pick an endangered species. What could make it go extinct? What could save this species from extinction?
• What species have been discovered within the past year?
• How could the human race become extinct? Describe a scenario.
• How does a local factory affect the environment?
• How do ecosystems improve water quality?

Topics for Opinion Papers

There is a great deal of controversy about topics that link ecology and public policy. If you enjoy writing papers that take a point of view , consider some of these:

• What impact is climate change having on our local ecology?
• Should the United States ban the use of plastics to protect delicate ecosystems?
• Should new laws be enacted to limit the use of energy produced by fossil fuels?
• How far should human beings go to protect ecologies where endangered species live?
• Is there ever a time when natural ecology should be sacrificed for human needs?
• Should scientists bring back an extinct animal? What animals would you bring back and why?
• If scientists brought back the saber-toothed tiger, how might it impact the environment?
• The Definition of a Marine Ecosystem
• Cultural Ecology
• What Is Physical Geography?
• The National Geography Standards
• 67 Causal Essay Topics to Consider
• Writing a Paper about an Environmental Issue
• Is There Any Upside to Global Warming?
• High School Science Fair Projects
• Endangered Species Lesson Plans
• Elementary School Science Fair Projects
• What Is a Research Paper?
• How to Write a Research Paper That Earns an A
• 10 Easy Ways to Help Protect Marine Life
• 100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students
• Seven Things You Need to Know About the Ocean
• Social Studies Warmups: Exercises to Get Students Thinking

ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

Ecology is the study of the environment, and helps us understand how organisms live with each other in unique physical environments.

Biology, Ecology

Elephant at pond

Watering holes like this attract a wide variety of creatures and offer a unique glimpse into the diverse ecology of the surrounding region.

Photograph by Stuart Black and Alamy Stock Photo

Ecology is the study of organisms and how they interact with the environment around them. An ecologist studies the relationship between living things and their habitats. In order to learn about the natural world, ecologists must study multiple aspects of life ranging from the moss that grows on rocks to the wolf population in the United States' Yellowstone National Park. In order to research the environment, scientists ask questions, such as: How do organisms interact with the living and nonliving factors around them? What do organisms need to survive and thrive in their current environments? To find the answers to these questions, ecologists must study and observe all forms of life and their ecosystems throughout our world.

In addition to examining how ecosystems function, ecologists study what happens when ecosystems do not function normally. Changes in ecosystems can result from many different factors including diseases among the organisms living in the area, increases in temperature, and increased human activities. Understanding these changes can help ecologists anticipate future ecological challenges and inform other scientists and policymakers about the challenges facing their local ecosystems.

Ecology first began gaining popularity in the 1960s, when environmental issues were rising to the forefront of public awareness. Although scientists have been studying the natural world for centuries, ecology in the modern sense has only been around since the 19th century. Around this time, European and American scientists began studying how plants functioned and their effects on the habitats around them. Eventually, this led to the study of how animals interact with plants, other animals, and shaped the ecosystems in which they lived. Today, modern ecologists build on the data collected by their predecessors and continue to pass on information about the ecosystems around the world. The information they gather continues to affect the future of our planet.

Human activity plays an important role in the health of ecosystems all around the world. Pollution emitted from fossil fuels or factories can contaminate the food supply for a species, potentially changing an entire food web. Introducing a new species from another part of the world into an unfamiliar environment can have unintended and negative impacts on local lifeforms. These kinds of organisms are called invasive species. Invasive species can be any form of living organism that is brought by humans to a new part of the world where they have no natural predators. The addition or subtraction of a single species from an ecosystem can create a domino effect on many others, whether that be from the spread of disease or overhunting.

Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Production Managers

Program specialists, specialist, content production, last updated.

October 19, 2023

User Permissions

For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. They will best know the preferred format. When you reach out to them, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource.

If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service .

Interactives

Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives.

Related Resources

The Higher Education Review

• Engineering
• Jobs and Careers
• Media and Mass Communication
• Education Consultancy
• Universities

A Guide to Writing the Perfect Ecology Research Essay

Download now complete list of top private engineering colleges.

• Biology Article

Table of Contents

What Is Ecology

Biotic And Abiotic Factors

Types Of Ecology

Importance Of Ecology

Examples Of Ecology

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.

An 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 are living factors of an ecosystem. A few examples of biotic components include bacteria,  animals, birds,  fungi, plants, etc.

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

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 researches 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 influences 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. Go through these notes for reference.

Related Links

• Living Organisms

Put your understanding of this concept to test by answering a few MCQs. Click ‘Start Quiz’ to begin!

Select the correct answer and click on the “Finish” button Check your score and answers at the end of the quiz

Visit BYJU’S for all Biology related queries and study materials

Your result is as below

Request OTP on Voice Call

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Post My Comment

THANK FOR YOUR GOOD EXPLANATION OF ECOLOGY

very good explanation for ecology.

what is tolerance

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.

Nice and lovely answer dear

Thanks so much

tank you for good explain

the interaction of living and non living things in the community

thank you for giving details

thank you for good expression

Thanks for such a explanation

Thanks for the explanation

Thanks for such explanation

thankyou so mach for your explanation

Wow I enjoyed the explanations thanks

ecology and its relevance to man , natural resources, their sustainable management and conservation?

Thanks for the Info. Crystal clear and simple. Helped me a lot.

CAN I KNOW ABOUT THE SIGMOID GROWTH GRAPH?

Please refer to this link https://byjus.com/biology/an-introduction-to-population-growth/

This is very helpful because my half-yearly exam is coming, and easy to learn about ecology, thanks

Thanks so much for the well clear answers it helps so much

Thank you so much! This explanation has helped me a lot.

Thank you for the information about ecological system

• Share Share

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

Literary Theory and Criticism

Home › Eco Criticism › Ecocriticism: An Essay

Ecocriticism: An Essay

By NASRULLAH MAMBROL on November 27, 2016 • ( 3 )

Ecocriticism is the study of literature and environment from an interdisciplinary point of view where all sciences come together to analyze the environment and brainstorm possible solutions for the correction of the contemporary environmental situation. Ecocriticism was officially heralded by the publication of two seminal works, both published in the mid-1990s: The Ecocriticism Reader , edited by Cheryll Glotfelty and Harold Fromm , and The Environmental Imagination, by Lawrence Buell.

Ecocriticism investigates the relation between humans and the natural world in literature. It deals with how environmental issues, cultural issues concerning the environment and attitudes towards nature are presented and analyzed. One of the main goals in ecocriticism is to study how individuals in society behave and react in relation to nature and ecological aspects. This form of criticism has gained a lot of attention during recent years due to higher social emphasis on environmental destruction and increased technology. It is hence a fresh way of analyzing and interpreting literary texts, which brings new dimensions to the field of literary and theoritical studies. Ecocriticism is an intentionally broad approach that is known by a number of other designations, including “green (cultural) studies”, “ecopoetics”, and “environmental literary criticism.”

Western thought has often held a more or less utilitarian attitude to nature —nature is for serving human needs. However, after the eighteenth century, there emerged many voices that demanded a revaluation of the relationship between man and environment, and man’s view of nature. Arne Naess , a Norwegian philosopher, developed the notion of “Deep Ecology” which emphasizes the basic interconnectedness of all life forms and natural features, and presents a symbiotic and holistic world-view rather than an anthropocentric one.

Earlier theories in literary and cultural studies focussed on issue of class, race, gender, region are criteria and “subjects”of critical analysis. The late twentieth century has woken up to a new threat: ecological disaster. The most important environmental problems that humankind faces as a whole are: nuclear war, depletion of valuable natural resources, population explosion, proliferation of exploitative technologies, conquest of space preliminary to using it as a garbage dump, pollution, extinction of species (though not a human problem) among others. In such a context, literary and cultural theory has begun to address the issue as a part of academic discourse. Numerous green movements have sprung up all over the world, and some have even gained representations in the governments.

Large scale debates over “dumping,” North versus South environmentalism (the necessary differences between the en-vironmentalism of the developed and technologically advanced richer nations—the North, and the poorer, subsistence environmentalism of the developing or “Third World”—the South). Donald Worster ‘s Nature’s Economy (1977) became a textbook for the study of ecological thought down the ages. The historian Arnold Toynbee recorded the effect of human civilisation upon the land and nature in his monumental, Mankind and Mother Earth (1976). Environmental issues and landscape use were also the concern of the Annales School of historians , especially Braudel and Febvre. The work of environmental historians has been pathbreaking too. Rich-ard Grove et al’s massive Nature and the Orient (1998), David Arnold and Ramachandra Guha’s Nature, Culture, Imperialism (1995) have been significant work in the environmental history of India and Southeast Asia. Ramachandra Guha is of course the most important environmental historian writing from India today.

Various versions of environmentalism developed.Deep ecology and ecofeminism were two important developments. These new ideas questioned the notion of “development” and “modernity,” and argued that all Western notions in science, philosophy, politics were “anthropocentric” (human-centred) and “androcentric”(Man/male-centred). Technology, medical science with its animal testing, the cosmetic and fashion industry all came in for scrutiny from environmentalists. Deep ecology, for instance, stressed on a “biocentric” view (as seen in the name of the environmentalist group, “ Earth First! !”).

Ecocriticism is the result of this new consciousness: that very soon, there will be nothing beautiful (or safe) in nature to discourse about, unless we are very careful.

Ecocritics ask questions such as: (1) How is nature represented in the novel/poem/play ? (2) What role does the physical-geographical setting play in the structure of the novel? (3) How do our metaphors of the land influence the way we treat it? That is, what is the link between pedagogic or creative practice and actual political, sociocultural and ethical behaviour towards the land and other non-human life forms? (4) How is science —in the form of genetic engineering, technologies of reproduction, sexualities—open to critical scrutiny terms of the effects of science upon the land?

The essential assumptions, ideas and methods of ecocritics may be summed up as follows. (1) Ecocritics believe that human culture is related to the physical world. (2) Ecocriticism assumes that all life forms are interlinked. Ecocriticism expands the notion of “the world” to include the entire ecosphere. (3) Moreover, there is a definite link between nature and culture, where the literary treatment, representation and “thematisation” of land and nature influence actions on the land. (4) Joseph Meeker in an early work, The Comedy of Survival: Studies in Literary Ecology (1972) used the term “literary ecology” to refer to “the study of biological themes and relationships which appear in literary works. It is simultaneously an attempt to discover what roles have been played by literature in the ecology of the human species.” (5) William Rueckert is believed to have coined the term “ecocriticism” in 1978, which he defines as “the application of ecology and ecological concepts to the study of literature.”

Source: Literary Theory Today,Pramod K Nair

Share this:

Categories: Eco Criticism

Tags: Annales School , Arne Naess , Arnold Toynbee , Cheryll Glotfelty , Deep Ecology , Earth First! , Ecocriticism , green studies , Harold Fromm , Literary Theory , Mankind and Mother Earth , Nature and the Orient , Nature's Economy , The Comedy of Survival: Studies in Literary Ecology , The Ecocriticism Reader , The Environmental Imagination

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

•  We're Hiring!
•  Help Center
• Most Cited Papers
• Most Downloaded Papers
• Newest Papers
• Save to Library
• Last »
• Conservation Biology Follow Following
• Biodiversity Follow Following
• Community Ecology Follow Following
• Biology Follow Following
• Climate Change Follow Following
• Landscape Ecology Follow Following
• Evolutionary Biology Follow Following
• Zoology Follow Following
• Environmental Sustainability Follow Following
• Botany Follow Following

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• Academia.edu Publishing
•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Environmental Protection — Ecology

Essays on Ecology

Winter hibiscus: morphology, ecology, and ethnobotanical significance, assessing my ecological footprint: a journey towards sustainability, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

Environmental Problems: Challenges and Solutions

Protection of endangered species can help us to survive, the role of ecology in improving the natural environment's understanding, the historical & current characteristics of western ireland coastlines & galway bay, let us write you an essay from scratch.

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

De-extinction Can Help to Protect Endangered Species

Influence of interest groups on the problem of global warming, the effect of covid-19 lockdown on the wildlife conservation, relevant topics.

• Wildlife Conservation
• Waste Management
• Animal Ethics
• Conservation
• Environmental Ethics
• Green Building
• Environmental Education
• Resource Management
• Global Citizen

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

• View all journals

Ecology articles from across Nature Portfolio

Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment. It considers processes that occur at the population, community and ecosystem levels and has a particular focus on biodiversity.

The foraging behaviour of consumers leads to more extinctions when temperature increases

When the temperature increases, so do the energetic requirements of species. We find that the energetic stress caused by increases in temperature pushes fish species to consume the first prey they encounter to fulfil their immediate needs, rather than focusing on more energetically rewarding prey. This behaviour increases the vulnerability of communities to climate change.

Host species drive composition of mosquito virome

Metatranscriptomic data from more than 2,000 mosquitoes of 81 species show that the composition of mosquito viral communities is determined more by host phylogeny than by climate and land-use factors, which will help to inform arbovirus surveillance.

• Sarah François

Multicellularity drives ecological diversity in a long-term evolution experiment

Long-term experimental evolution in brewer’s yeast reveals how the transition to simple multicellularity can drive ecological divergence and maintain diversity.

Related Subjects

• Agroecology
• Animal migration
• Behavioural ecology
• Biodiversity
• Biogeochemistry
• Biogeography
• Biooceanography
• Boreal ecology
• Climate-change ecology
• Community ecology
• Conservation biology
• Ecological epidemiology
• Ecological genetics
• Ecological modelling
• Ecological networks
• Ecophysiology
• Ecosystem ecology
• Ecosystem services
• Environmental economics
• Evolutionary ecology
• Fire ecology
• Forest ecology
• Freshwater ecology
• Grassland ecology
• Invasive species
• Macroecology
• Microbial ecology
• Molecular ecology
• Palaeoecology
• Population dynamics
• Restoration ecology
• Riparian ecology
• Stable isotope analysis
• Theoretical ecology
• Tropical ecology
• Urban ecology
• Wetlands ecology

Latest Research and Reviews

Ecological countermeasures to prevent pathogen spillover and subsequent pandemics

In this Perspective, the authors discuss the importance of preventing zoonotic spillover to prevent pandemics. They highlight mechanisms by which environmental changes can enable spillover, identify ecological interventions for spillover prevention and suggest policy frameworks through which interventions can be implemented.

• Raina K. Plowright
• Aliyu N. Ahmed
• Annika T. H. Keeley

Accounting for albedo change to identify climate-positive tree cover restoration

Restoring tree cover is a prominent climate solution but can cause global warming due to changes in albedo. This paper maps albedo and carbon changes from restoring tree cover to highlight where the greatest net climate benefits can be achieved.

• Natalia Hasler
• Christopher A. Williams
• Susan C. Cook-Patton

Treeline displacement may affect lake dissolved organic matter processing at high latitudes and altitudes

Shifts in the treeline may induce changes in organic matter composition of lakes at high altitude and latitude. Here, the authors experimentally unravel effects of soil-derived DOM for lake carbon biogeochemistry and bacterial carbon use efficiency.

• Núria Catalán
• Carina Rofner
• Hannes Peter

GOA-optimized deep learning for soybean yield estimation using multi-source remote sensing data

Evaluation of farmers friendly IPM modules for the management of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) in maize in the hot semiarid region of India

• Mandla Rajashekhar
• Banda Rajashekar
• Maligi Jagan Mohan Reddy

Actinomycetospora termitidis sp. nov., an insect-derived actinomycete isolated from termite ( Odontotermes formosanus )

• Khomsan Supong
• Nantawan Niemhom
• Pattama Pittayakhajonwut

News and Comment

Stegosaurus stenops

A surprisingly rare, yet iconic taxon is Susannah Maidment’s choice.

• Susannah Maidment

The Global Biodiversity Framework’s ecosystem restoration target requires more clarity and careful legal interpretation

• Justine Bell-James
• Rose Foster
• James A. Fitzsimons

Integrating ecosystem water demands into drought monitoring and assessment under climate change

Research on the ecological impacts of drought has predominantly focused on the scarcity of water supply, often overlooking divergent ecosystem water demands across vegetation types, regions, and time. These diverse ecosystem water demands need to be incorporated into an effective ecological drought monitoring and assessment framework.

• Jiangpeng Cui
• Anping Chen
• Shilong Piao

Quick links

• Explore articles by subject
• Guide to authors
• Editorial policies

Ecology: Sand Dune Succession and Species Diversity Report

Introduction.

Succession is an important ecological concept that explains how ecosystems undergo a series of changes in terms of species diversity over a period. In this view, dune succession refers to ecological changes that take place in dune systems around lakes or along coasts. This study examined dune succession by assessing the species density of primary, secondary, and late species. Besides, the study assessed concentrations of water, carbon, and nitrogen along the succession of the dune. The findings show that primary species density decreases with an increase in dune age, but secondary species density increases with an increase in the age of the dune. Similarly, the findings show that water content, carbon concentration, and nitrogen concentration increases with species diversity and the age of the dune.

In ecology, succession entails processes that an ecosystem undergoes over a period from simple colonization by individual flora and fauna through into a state of climax community. At the climax state, a community becomes an ecosystem that is only dependent on climatic factors in its survival. Raevel, Violle, and Munoz (2012) view succession as an essential concept that explains how ecosystems change with time. In this view, dune succession comprises ecological changes that occur in dune systems, which are common in coastal habitats. According to Martinez, Gabriela, and Sanchez (2001), succession is “the non-seasonal and continuous processes of colonization and extinction of species populations on a site” (p. 361).

The intermittent colonization and extinction of species characterize ecological processes of succession that takes place in various ecosystems. Dune systems are unique ecosystems because they exist at the interface of marine and terrestrial environments. Hence, dune succession is dependent on terrestrial and marine factors that influence the processes of succession. Therefore, the dune study succession provides insights on how succession takes place at the interface of the terrestrial and marine environment.

Succession depends on the nature of the environment in which succession occurs. Generally, succession can be primary or secondary, depending on the nature of the environment that succession takes place. Primary succession is a succession in which flora and fauna colonize an environment that no ecological community has ever occupied. Martinez, Gabriela, and Sanchez (2001) state that primary succession usually occurs in environments, such as sandy beaches, rocky surfaces, and volcanic surfaces.

Mosses and lichens are common flora that colonizes such environments where no community has ever colonized. Comparatively, secondary succession entails the colonization of an environment that has already been colonized by other ecological communities. Emery (2012) explains secondary succession as the process of displacing a pre-existing community by the new community through the colonization process. Disturbance of pre-existing communities normally creates room for the incoming communities to colonize and cause ecological succession. Disturbances such as human activities, floods, fire, and other natural disasters trigger an ecological succession in some habitats.

Ecologists have formulated different theories and developed various models that elucidate how succession occurs in different ecosystems. Models that explain ecological succession include inhibition, tolerance, and facilitation (Nzunda, 2011). The inhibition model holds that the native community adapts to the colonized environment and modifies it to inhibit secondary succession. In essence, the primary community inhibits the occurrence of secondary succession by transforming the environment and making it unfavorable to other flora and fauna, which attempt to cause secondary succession.

The tolerance model supposes that succession occurs because of the ability of fauna and flora to tolerate environmental conditions. According to this model, the early community does not change the environment, but rather tolerate its conditions until it reaches a state of climax (Hubbell, 2001). Comparatively, the facilitation model states that early community facilitates succession of the subsequent communities in the succession process. Molles (2010) argues that “pioneer species modify the environment in such a way that it becomes less suitable for themselves and more suitable for species characteristic of later successional stages” (p. 462). Essentially, early community colonizes the environment and facilitates the success of subsequent communities while facilitating its extinction.

The project examines a dune succession as it offers the ideal environment where primary succession occurs. The experimental approach of the project is ‘space for time replacement’ because it allows researchers to examine changes that take place in dune communities. Thus, to examine dune succession, the project assesses how primary success occurs in Lake Michigan, Indiana.

Aims and Hypotheses

The project seeks to achieve two main aims by assessing dune succession.

• To establish the composition and density of species across dune succession with a view of ascertaining how dune succession occurs.
• To find out the factors that have contributed to the increase in species diversity and number across dune age during the progress of succession.

The following are the hypotheses of the project.

Observational aspects

• H 1 : Number of species (species richness) increases with dune age.
• H 1 : The overall number of species observed increases with dune age.
• H 1 : The density of pioneer species (marram grass and cottonwood) decreases with succession, but the density of secondary species (little bluestem, goldenrod, and black oak) increases with dune succession.
• H 1 : The density of herbaceous species (grasses and forbs) decreases with succession, but the density of woody species increases with dune succession.

Mechanistic Aspects

• H2: Soil water content, carbon (C), and Nitrogen (N) concentrations increase with the dune age in both 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil depth.
• H 2 : Species diversity increases with increasing soil water availability
• H 2 : Species diversity increases with an increase in the concentration of carbon in the soil.
• H 2 : Species diversity increases with an increase in the concentration of nitrogen in the soil.

Experiment 1: Observational Aspects

Four sites with progressively older dune age were marked for observation study. Transects of 25m by 2m were made in each of the sites, and further 1m by 1m quadrats were constructed inside the transects. Four quadrants were constructed, and each of them was placed 4m apart. The number of species in each quadrat was counted and recorded in the table. Target species such as cottonwood, marram grass, black oak, goldenrod, and little bluestem were counted. Moreover, a bunch of tillers and individual tillers were identified.

Experiment 2: Mechanistic Aspects

Using the same marked sites progressively across the age of the dune, characteristics of the soil were assessed. Soil corer was used to sample soil from the depths of 0-15cm and 15-30cm in each of the four quadrants. All soil samples from 0-15cm depths were pooled into one Ziploc bag, while all samples from 15-30cm depths were pooled into another Ziploc bag. Each of the samples of the soil collected was labeled according to transect and dune. In the analysis, relative water content, carbon, and nitrogen concentrations were determined. To determine the relative water content, some samples of soil were dried and compared with fresh soil using the following equation.

RWC = (g fresh soil) – (g dry soil) × 100

(g dry soil)

The concentration of carbon and nitrogen were determined using an elemental analyzer.

Statistical Analysis

The project employed correlation in data analysis to establish the nature of relationships that exists between species diversity and distance from the shore. Moreover, the project uses correlation to establish the nature of relationships that exist between species diversity and water availability, carbon concentration, and nitrogen concentration.

Species Diversity

The study found out that species diversity increases with an increase in distance from the shore, as shown in appendix A. At 50m from the show, two species were dominant (marram grass and cottonwood), while five species were common at 150m from the shore (marram grass, little bluestem, goldenrod, wormwood, and cottonwood). At 500m and 800m, the diversity of species increased exponentially to 19 species, as shown in appendix A.

Experiment 1: Observational Aspects.

Primary species density of marram grass (bunch and tiller) decreases with an increase in distance from shore. Correlation analysis shows that marram grass (bunch) has a strong negative correlation with distance from the shore (r = -0.952). Moreover, the density of marram grass (tiller) negatively correlates with distance from the shore (0.995). The decrease in species density of marram grass with the increase in distance from the shore is significant (p= 0.048). The p-value is less than the significance value (p<0.05).

The secondary species density of cottonwood, goldenrod, and little-blue stem reaches an optimum density at 500m from the shore. Regarding cottonwood, correlation analysis shows that there is a weak correlation between distance from the sea and cottonwood species (r = 0.24). The correlation between distance from the shore and goldenrod is also weak (r = 0.44). The little bluestem shows the weakest correlation with the distance from the shore (r =0.17). The significance values of these correlation values are greater than 0.05 (p>0.05). It means that there is no correlation between secondary species and distance from the shore.

The late species density increases with an increase in distance from the shore and reaches an optimum density at 800m. The correlation analysis shows that there is a strong correlation between black oak density and distance from the shore (r = 0.919). However, the correlation is not significant because the p-value is 0.08 (p>0.05). This implies that late species density does not vary according to the distance from the shore.

The figure shows that relative water content decreases with an increase in distance from the shore up to 500m, where it increases. Correlation of the distance from the shore and relative water content is weak for 0-15cm (r = -0.16) and strong for 15cm-30cm (r= -0.77). This means that relative water content in 0-15cm does not decrease as the distance from the shore increases. Comparatively, relative water content does decrease as the distance from the shore increases. However, the decrease in relative water content is not significant (p>0.05). Thus, relative water content does not correlate negatively with distance from the shore.

The above chart shows that the concentration of carbon increases in both the depths of 0-15cm and 15-30cm with an increase in the distance from shore. The concentration of carbon in both 0-15cm and 15-30cm depths strongly correlate with distance from the shore (r = 0.89, 0.86). The correlation is significant as carbon concentration increases with distance from the shore (p<0.05).

The concentration of nitrogen increases in 0-15cm and decreases in 15-30cm with an increase in the distance from the shore. Correlation value for nitrogen in 0-15cm is strong (r = 0.88), while the correlation value of 15-30cm is weak (r = 0.26). This means that the nitrogen concentration significantly increases with distance from the shore in 0-15cm (p<0.05). However, the decrease in nitrogen concetration15-30cm depth

In the first experiment, the study showed that species diversity increases with the age of the dune. The finding shows, that there is a progressive increase in species diversity from primary, secondary, and eventually late species. Moreover, the study demonstrated that the species density of primary and secondary species varies according to the age of the dune. In the case of primary species, the study showed that species density decreases with an increase in the distance from the shore.

Hence, the findings support the hypothesis that primary species density increases with dune age. These findings are consistent with the earlier findings of Lake Michigan, which report that primary species facilitate colonization by late species (Lichter, 2000). Hence, primary species density decreases with an increase in the age of the dune due to their role of facilitation. In this case, marram grass facilitates secondary succession.

Comparatively, species such as little bluestem, goldenrod, and black oak are some of the secondary species, which the study demonstrated to increase with an increase in the age of the dune. These findings are in line with the findings of Maun (2009), which state that species density increases with an increase in the dune age. Thus, the findings support the hypothesis and confirm the earlier findings. Likewise, the study found that the late species density of black oak increase with the age of the dune.

The findings support the hypothesis that the density of woody species increases with dune succession. The late species density increases with the age of the dune because they are dependent on the facilitation processes of primary and secondary species (Johnson & Miyanishi). Therefore, the density of black oak increases with dune age due to facilitation created by primary and secondary.

In the second experiment, the study found out that soil water content, carbon concentration, and nitrogen concentration varies according to the succession of the dune. Relative water content decreases with the age of the dune up to 500m, where it increases beyond 800m. Likewise, the diversity of species increases with an increase in the distance from the shore. Martinez and Psuty (2007) argue that “as succession progress, species diversity increases” (p. 72).

Hence, it implies that changes in relative water content across dune succession influences species diversity. Moreover, the study found out that the concentrations of carbon and nitrogen in 0-15cm depths increase with dune succession, and thus correlate with species diversity. These findings support the hypothesis that carbon and nitrogen concentrations enhance species diversity. However, the case is not true in the concentration of nitrogen in the depths of 15-30cm.

The dune succession study shows that primary species density decreases with an increase in dune age while secondary species density increases. The difference in species density between primary and secondary species is due to the facilitation process. While primary species facilitate colonization of the environment by other species, secondary species require an already colonized environment. Furthermore, the study reveals that the concentrations of water, nitrogen (0-15cm), and carbon increases with the age of the dune, and thus increase species diversity.

Emery, S. (2012). Succession: A Closer Look: Nature Education Knowledge , 3 (10), 45-63.

Hubbell, S. (2001). The Unified Neutral Theory of Biodiversity and Biogeography . Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Johnson, E., & Miyanishi, K. (2010). Plant Disturbance Ecology: The Process and the Response. New York: Academic Press.

Lichter, J. (2000). Colonization Constraints during primary Succession Coastal Lake of Michigan Sand Dunes. Journal of Ecology, 88 (5), 825-839.

Martinez, M., Gabriela, V., & Sanchez, S. (2001). Spatial and temporal Variability during Primary Succession on Tropical Coastal Sand Dunes. Journal of vegetation Science, 12 (3), 361-372.

Martinez, M., & Psuty, N. (2007). Coastal Dunes: Ecology and Conservation. New York: Springer.

Maun, M. (2009). The Biology of Coastal Sand Dunes . New York: Oxford University Press.

Molles, M. (2012). Ecology: Concepts and Applications . New York: McGraw-Hill Education.

Nzunda, E. (2011). Sprouting, Succession, and Tree Species Diversity in a South African Coastal Dune Forest. Journal of Tropical Ecology , 27 (2), 195-203.

Raevel, V., Violle, C., & Munoz, F. (2012). Mechanism of ecological succession: Insights from Plant Functional Strategies. Ecology & Organismal Biology, 121 (11), 1760-170.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, February 15). Ecology: Sand Dune Succession and Species Diversity. https://ivypanda.com/essays/ecology-sand-dune-succession-and-species-diversity/

"Ecology: Sand Dune Succession and Species Diversity." IvyPanda , 15 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/ecology-sand-dune-succession-and-species-diversity/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'Ecology: Sand Dune Succession and Species Diversity'. 15 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "Ecology: Sand Dune Succession and Species Diversity." February 15, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/ecology-sand-dune-succession-and-species-diversity/.

1. IvyPanda . "Ecology: Sand Dune Succession and Species Diversity." February 15, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/ecology-sand-dune-succession-and-species-diversity/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Ecology: Sand Dune Succession and Species Diversity." February 15, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/ecology-sand-dune-succession-and-species-diversity/.

• Danny Villeneuve’s Dune Film Critique
• Native Dune Systems vs. Man-Made Beach Structures
• Great Barrier Reef: Flood Alleviation Solutions
• Events in the Geomorphic History of the Seal Rocks
• Geology: Port Phillip Bay and Sea Level Changes
• Port Philip Bay and Sea Levels in Australia's Geological History
• David Lynch's Life and Directed Movies
• Acceleration of a Ball in Physics
• Physical Factors Impacting Pendulum’s Period
• Navigating the Web's Hidden Depths
• Ecology Fundamentals: Toxic Chemicals
• Ecological Systems Model Aspects
• Tropical Rainforest Species and Diversity Issues
• Environmental Issues in Urban Systems
• Earth’s Biodiversity: Extinction Rates Exaggerated

Your Article Library

Ecology: short essay on ecology.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

Read this essay to learn about Ecology !

The term “Ecology” was coined by Earnst Haeckel in 1869. It is derived from the Greek words Oikos- home + logos- study. Ecology deals with the study of organisms in their natural home interacting with their surroundings. The surroundings or environment consists of living organisms (biotic) and physical (abiotic) components.

Image Courtesy : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:European_honey_bee_extracts_nectar.jpg

Modern ecologists believe that an adequate definition of ecology must specify some unit of study and one such basic unit described by Tansley (1935) was ecosystem. According to other definition-an ecosystem is a self-regulating group of biotic communities of species interacting with one another and with their non-living environment exchanging energy and matter. Now ecology is often defined as “the study of ecosystems”.

There are many examples of ecosystems a pond, a forest, an estuary, a grassland etc. Usually the boundaries of an ecosystem are chosen for practical reasons having to do with the goals of the particular study. The study of ecosystems mainly consists of the study of certain processes that link the living, or biotic, components to the non-living, or abiotic, components.

Energy transformations and biogeochemical cycling are the main processes that comprise the field of ecosystem/ecology. We can study ecology at the level of the individual, the population, the community, and the ecosystem.

Studies of individuals are concerned mostly about physiology, reproduction, development or behaviour, and studies of populations usually focus on the habitat and resource needs of individual species, their group behaviours, population growth, and what limits their abundance or causes extinction.

Studies of communities examine how populations of many species interact with one another, such as predators and their prey, or competitors that share common needs or resources. In ecosystem, we try to focus on major functional aspects of the system.

These functional aspects include such things as the amount of energy that is produced by photosynthesis, how energy or materials flow along the many steps in a food chain, or what controls the rate of decomposition of materials or the rate at which nutrients are recycled in the system.

Related Articles:

• Community Ecology: Definition and Characteristics of Community Ecology
• Concepts of Ecology: Structural and Functional Concept of Ecology

No comments yet.

Leave a reply click here to cancel reply..

You must be logged in to post a comment.

We have 9 free papers on Ecology for you

Essay examples, essay topics, the characteristics, types, and the need to stop the declination of the population of ‘i’iwi, a native land bird in the hawaiian islands.

The ‘I’iwi, also known as the Hawaiian honeycreeper is native to the Hawaiian islands. Once common among the islands, their populations have been declining throughout the islands because of foreign diseases, predators, agricultural and urban development, as well as climate change (‘I’iwi). With the decreasing populations of these birds, the local ecosystems will be greatly…

A Discussion on Why Nesting Birds Nest Nearby Raptors and Aggressive Birds

Trophic cascades occur in nature when predators in a food web alter the behavior of their prey or suppress their number, thereby indirectly affecting the next lower trophic level in a positive way. This theory has been shown to be important in understanding the effects of removing a keystone species from a food web. Many…

Characteristics of the Cassowaries a Bird Found in the Rainforest of Papua New Guinea

The cassowaries are large, flightless ratite birds that are found in the rainforests of Papa New Guinea, Australia, and some of the surrounding islands (Sanft 1975). Weighing up to 85 kg, these birds are second in size only to the ostrich. Native peoples hunted the cassowaries and valued them as livestock; it was reported that…

A Study on the Masked Bobwhite Quail, a Rare Subspecies of Northern Bobwhite

The Masked bobwhite quail is an extremely rare and fragile subspecies of the more popular and widespread Northern bobwhite. The Masked bobwhite is and has been endangered from the moment it was discovered. These quail are very susceptible to habitat loss. They are native to the desert grasslands of Arizona and Mexico, but have been…

Environmental Impact of Medical Wastes Analytical Essay

Inappropriate medical waste (MW) management practices have become one of the major concerns in developing countries. The objectives of this study are to appraise the procedures and techniques available in collection and segregation of MW, treatment and recycling processes, disposal practices and compliances with rules and regulations in the Health-care Facilities (HCFs) in Ota, South West…

Ecology Essay

ECOLOGY In the original Greek “oikos” means, “house”. So ecology is “the study of the house” the place where you live, or the environment which technically includes all those factors, both nonliving and living, that affect an organism. Ecology then is the study of the interactions of organisms in their environment includes both the living…

The Biosphere

The biosphere is the part of the Earth in which life exists. It is 20 km thick, from the bottom of the ocean to the lower atmosphere. It consists of three layers: the lithosphere, which is the land on the surface of the Earth; the hydrosphere, which comprises the water on Earth as well as…

Ecology And Plague Essay (487 words)

Ecology is a branch of science concerned with the interrelationships of organisms and their environment. An ecosystem is a community, along with its nonliving factors, that exist together. Scientifically, a community consists of a collection of creatures that live together in a particular place. The Coming Plague is a novel that outlines how each epidemic…

Difference between biosphere, ecosphere and gaia Essay

Explain the difference between Biosphere, Ecosphere and Gaia and reason a instance for following one of these forms for treatments of the Earth Biosphere, Ecosphere and Gaia are used names of the planetary ecosystem. But each planetary ecosystem has its ain or more pregnant separately. The planetary ecosystem is natural rhythms of interdependent beings which…

Check a number of top-notch topics on Ecology written by our professionals

Politicization Science of Ecology

The Effect of Covid-19 Lockdown on The Wildlife Conservation

Trashy Truth: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions

The Role of Ecology in Improving The Natural Environment’s Understanding

The Issue of the Sustainability in Packaging

Microplastic Soil Contamination

Michael E. Baltz: Overconsumption of Resources in Industrial Countries

Marine Pollution: Management and International Legislation

Global Ecological Issues of Covid-19 Pandemic

Filipino Problem: Friendly to Hygiene and Unfriendly to Environment

Fear and Environmental Change in Philadelphia

Environmental Risk Report on Nanoparticles

Environmental Policy: Water Sanitation

Environmental Issues of Rwanda

Ecotoxicology: Weeds and Pests in a Wetland Area

Ecology. Nutrient Uptake by Seaweed

Deforestation Crisis in Mexico

Decomposition Rate & Replanted Forest on Motutapu Island

Yanomami: The Gold Rush and Genocide

Where Have All the Oysters Gone?

Water Quality Importance

Water Pollution: OIL Spills Aspects

Visiting Black Rock Water Reclamation Plan

Treatment of Wastewater

The Stages of Succession at Different Places in the Kilmer Ecological Preserve

The Skepticism of Consumers Towards Green Products

The North American Breeding Bird Survey

The Historical & Current Characteristics of Western Ireland Coastlines & Galway Bay

The Discovery Park and Green Seattle Partnership

Soil Ecology and Restoration Science

Hi, my name is Amy 👋

In case you can't find a relevant example, our professional writers are ready to help you write a unique paper. Just talk to our smart assistant Amy and she'll connect you with the best match.