Ecological: meaning, definitions and examples

Reference to the relationships between living organisms and their environment or ecosystems. Often used in scientific contexts or when discussing broader environmental impact.

• The project aims to reduce the ecological footprint of urban areas.
• Ecological studies show a decline in the bird population.

Relates to the environment and often used in legal, scientific, and policy-making contexts. It can encompass a wide range of issues including pollution, conservation, and climate change.

• Environmental regulations are getting stricter.
• She studies environmental science.

Casually used to refer to practices, products, or attitudes that protect the environment. Often used in everyday conversation, marketing, and media. This word has many meanings, so context is key.

• They are committed to going green at their office.
• Green energy solutions are gaining popularity.

Similar to 'eco-friendly', but slightly more formal. Describes actions, policies, and products that are beneficial or not harmful to the environment.

• The company adopted environment-friendly practices.
• Environment-friendly policies can help combat climate change.

This adjective is primarily used to talk about relationships between living organisms and their environment. It often describes processes, changes, impacts, or crises involving ecosystems.

• The company's product design aims at reducing its ecological footprint.
• They conducted an ecological survey to study the impact on local wildlife.

Employ this term when discussing an interdisciplinary field that combines biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences to study the environment and solve environmental problems.

• She majored in environmental science because she wants to create solutions for pollution.
• The environmental science program at the university is highly regarded.

Use this noun when referring to the scientific study of relationships between organisms and their environment. It is often found in academic or research contexts.

• She is studying ecology to understand how different species interact in the rainforest.
• His research focuses on the ecology of coral reefs.

Refer to this interdisciplinary academic field when you're discussing the broader study of the environment and its relationship with human activity. It includes subjects such as policy, ethics, and social sciences.

• He enrolled in environmental studies to learn about the social impacts of climate change.
• The environmental studies curriculum covers both scientific and policy-related topics.