Question

What is the study of the interrelationships of organisms with their natural environment called?

• A. Geology
• B. Biology
• C. Ecology
• D. Meteorology

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Ecology

Understanding Ecology

• Ecology is the scientific study of the interrelationships between living organisms (including humans) and their natural or physical environment.
• It explores how organisms interact with each other (biotic interactions) and with non-living components (abiotic interactions) such as sunlight, water, soil, temperature, and nutrients.

• Origin of the Term

  • The term 'Ecology' was coined in 1866 by the German zoologist Ernst Haeckel.
  • It is derived from the Greek words 'oikos', meaning 'house' or 'dwelling place', and 'logos', meaning 'study of'. Essentially, it's the 'study of house' or 'study of nature's household'.

• Levels of Ecological Organization

  • Ecology studies life at various hierarchical levels, providing a comprehensive understanding of biological systems:
  1. Organism: An individual living being.
  2. Population: A group of individuals of the same species living and interacting in a particular geographical area at a given time.
  3. Community: All the populations of different species that live and interact together in a specific area.
  4. Ecosystem: A community of living organisms interacting with their non-living (abiotic) physical and chemical environment.
  5. Biome: Large geographical areas characterized by similar climate, vegetation, and animal life (e.g., deserts, rainforests, tundra).
  6. Biosphere: The sum of all ecosystems on Earth, representing the global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships.

• Key Concepts in Ecology

  • Habitat: The specific natural environment or place where an organism normally lives.
  • Niche: The specific role or position a species plays within its ecosystem, including its interactions with other species and its resource requirements.
  • Biotic Factors: All living or once-living components of an ecosystem that affect other organisms (e.g., plants, animals, fungi, bacteria).
  • Abiotic Factors: All non-living physical and chemical elements in an ecosystem that influence living organisms (e.g., sunlight, water, temperature, soil pH, oxygen levels).
  • Biodiversity: The variety of life at all levels, from genes to species to ecosystems, crucial for ecosystem stability and resilience.

• Important Facts for Competitive Exams

  • Father of Ecology (Global): Ernst Haeckel is widely recognized for coining the term and foundational concepts.
  • Father of Indian Ecology: Professor Ramdeo Misra (1908-1998) is known for his pioneering work in establishing ecology as an academic discipline in India.
  • Ecology is a core component of Environmental Science, which is a broader, multidisciplinary field that includes political, social, and economic aspects of environmental issues.
  • Understanding ecological principles is vital for addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and sustainable resource management.