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Ecology: Biological Science, Environment, Ecosystem And Disciplines
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Published: October 19, 2007
In the last few decades, ecology has grown into something much more than just a collection of scientific disciplines. As the implications of ecological questions have become planetary in scope, it has become a study of how well the human species coexists with its home planet. To this end, social ecology and deep ecology have interjected a number of ethical and philosophical considerations into the subject.
Ultimately, ecology studies the interaction between organisms and their environment. This encompasses interactions at every level, from genetics to individual animals to the larger ecosystem. Though chiefly a biological science, ecology also incorporates other sciences such as chemistry and geography.
The overall subject of ecology is comprised of several different disciplines, each focusing on certain levels. At the smallest level, ecology studies how animals interact with their immediate surroundings, both on the individual and community tiers. Above this, there is landscape ecology, which focuses on a cluster of ecosystems over larger areas. Geographic ecology takes an even broader perspective, studying the long-term geological factors that shape the movement and development of various organisms. There is also behavioral ecology, concerned with how animals have adapted to their environments over time, and how the relationship may evolve in the future. The vast possibilities within each level of study have led to the emergence of ecology as one of the most important fields of the 21st century.
Since ecology basically deals with how things live with one another, it is especially helpful for humans as individuals and as a species. For instance, consider that ecological studies outlined a correlation between outbreaks of Lyme Disease and large numbers of acorns in the affected area. Though ticks do not feed on acorns, they feed on animals that do. Greater numbers of mice and deer mean that more disease-carrying ticks are to be found. Ecology has illuminated how the use of small, controlled fires in a forest can prevent the outbreak of catastrophic wildfires. This kind of biological science is also vital for identifying and protecting endangered species.
The example of controlled fire is an apt metaphor for how the human species will be utilizing ecology in the coming centuries. It is far greater than simple resource management. It is ultimately about how the human species can live comfortably in a sustainable relationship with the environment. As the effects of climate change begin to take root, understanding the change in ecosystems will be vital. Indeed, much of the contemporary interest in ecology deals with it at the planetary level. A change in a river basin, for instance, would have vast implications on food and water supply in the given region. The hope is that with ecological study, such disasters can be seen in advance, and prepared for accordingly.
Sources:
Bruno, Jeremy. "Basic Concepts: What Is Ecology?" The Voltage Gate. 6 Feb 2007. 18 Oct 2007. http://thevoltagegate.blogspot.com/2007/02/basic-c oncepts-what-is-ecology.html.
"Climate Change Will Impact Global River Flow, Scientists Warn." Science Daily. 13 Oct 2007. 18 Oct 2007. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/07101 2105820.htm.
Mello, Kelly. "The Different Disciplines of Ecology." Helium. 2007. 18 Oct. 2007. http://www.helium.com/tm/261685/before-became-engl ish-extremely.
Powell, Alvin. "Biologists Remember Landmark Theory." Harvard University Gazette Online. 11 Oct. 2007. 18 Oct 2007. http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2007/10.11/03- island.html.
What Does Ecology Have To Do With Me? Ecological Society of America. 1997. 18 Oct. 2007. http://www.esa.org/teaching_learning/webDocs/ecolo gyANDme.php.
Related Articles
The overall subject of ecology is comprised of several different disciplines, each focusing on certain levels. At the smallest level, ecology studies how animals interact with their immediate surroundings, both on the individual and community tiers. Above this, there is landscape ecology, which focuses on a cluster of ecosystems over larger areas. Geographic ecology takes an even broader perspective, studying the long-term geological factors that shape the movement and development of various organisms. There is also behavioral ecology, concerned with how animals have adapted to their environments over time, and how the relationship may evolve in the future. The vast possibilities within each level of study have led to the emergence of ecology as one of the most important fields of the 21st century.
Since ecology basically deals with how things live with one another, it is especially helpful for humans as individuals and as a species. For instance, consider that ecological studies outlined a correlation between outbreaks of Lyme Disease and large numbers of acorns in the affected area. Though ticks do not feed on acorns, they feed on animals that do. Greater numbers of mice and deer mean that more disease-carrying ticks are to be found. Ecology has illuminated how the use of small, controlled fires in a forest can prevent the outbreak of catastrophic wildfires. This kind of biological science is also vital for identifying and protecting endangered species.
The example of controlled fire is an apt metaphor for how the human species will be utilizing ecology in the coming centuries. It is far greater than simple resource management. It is ultimately about how the human species can live comfortably in a sustainable relationship with the environment. As the effects of climate change begin to take root, understanding the change in ecosystems will be vital. Indeed, much of the contemporary interest in ecology deals with it at the planetary level. A change in a river basin, for instance, would have vast implications on food and water supply in the given region. The hope is that with ecological study, such disasters can be seen in advance, and prepared for accordingly.
Sources:
Bruno, Jeremy. "Basic Concepts: What Is Ecology?" The Voltage Gate. 6 Feb 2007. 18 Oct 2007. http://thevoltagegate.blogspot.com/2007/02/basic-c oncepts-what-is-ecology.html.
"Climate Change Will Impact Global River Flow, Scientists Warn." Science Daily. 13 Oct 2007. 18 Oct 2007. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/07101 2105820.htm.
Mello, Kelly. "The Different Disciplines of Ecology." Helium. 2007. 18 Oct. 2007. http://www.helium.com/tm/261685/before-became-engl ish-extremely.
Powell, Alvin. "Biologists Remember Landmark Theory." Harvard University Gazette Online. 11 Oct. 2007. 18 Oct 2007. http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2007/10.11/03- island.html.
What Does Ecology Have To Do With Me? Ecological Society of America. 1997. 18 Oct. 2007. http://www.esa.org/teaching_learning/webDocs/ecolo gyANDme.php.
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