ecology
- Noun:
- The scientific study of the relationships between living organisms and their physical environment: "Ecology" is the branch of biology that examines how plants, animals, and other organisms interact with each other and with their surroundings, including air, water, and soil.
- The set of relationships between organisms and their environment in a particular place: "Ecology" can also refer to the specific system of interconnections within a given habitat or ecosystem.
- Noun:
- She decided to study ecology to understand how pollution affects forest life.
- The ecology of the coral reef is incredibly complex and delicate.
- Urban development has drastically altered the local ecology.
"Deep ecology": A philosophical and environmental movement that emphasizes the intrinsic value of all living beings and advocates for a radical restructuring of modern human societies to respect this value.
- His beliefs were influenced by the principles of deep ecology.
"Political ecology": An interdisciplinary field that examines the relationships between political, economic, and social factors and environmental issues and changes.
- The course in political ecology analyzed the conflict over water rights.
"Human ecology": The study of the relationships between humans and their natural, social, and built environments.
- The city's planning department considered principles of human ecology.
Ecological (adj): Relating to or concerned with ecology.
- The ecological impact of the dam was severe.
Ecologist (n): A scientist who studies ecology.
- The ecologist published a paper on wetland conservation.
Ecosystem (n): A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. (Note: This is a related but distinct compound term).
- A healthy ecosystem can better withstand disease.
- Environmental science: The study of the environment and the solution of environmental problems.
- Bionomics: (A less common synonym) The study of the mode of life of organisms in their natural habitat and their adaptations to their surroundings.
"Balance of nature": A concept in ecology which suggests that ecological systems are usually in a stable equilibrium.
- The introduction of a new predator upset the balance of nature.
"Ecological niche": The role and position a species has in its environment, including how it meets its needs for food and shelter.
- The bird occupies a unique ecological niche as a seed disperser.
- "It's the ecology, stupid": A phrase adapted from political sloganeering, used to emphasize that ecological considerations are fundamental to understanding a problem. (This is a niche, advanced cultural reference).
- When discussing the city's future, remember: it's the ecology, stupid.
- the branch of biology concerned with the relations between organisms and their environment
- the environment as it relates to living organisms
- it changed the ecology of the island