Ecology: meaning, definitions and examples

🌿
Add to dictionary

ecology

 

[ɪˈkɒlədʒi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

study of environment

Ecology is the branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.

Synonyms

ecological study, environmental science.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
ecology

Duplicate term; refer to the previous entry for appropriate context and examples.

  • Refer to the previous entry for appropriate examples
environmental science

Used when referring to a broader field of study that includes all aspects of the natural environment and how humans interact with it.

  • She is pursuing a degree in environmental science at the university
  • Environmental science covers topics ranging from pollution to sustainable development
ecological study

Used when referring specifically to a scientific study or research focusing on the relationships between organisms and their surroundings.

  • The researchers published their ecological study on the impact of climate change on marine life
  • Conducting an ecological study of the desert requires extensive fieldwork

Examples of usage

  • Ecology plays a crucial role in understanding the impact of human activities on the environment.
  • The principles of ecology help us comprehend the interconnectedness of all living organisms.
Context #2 | Noun

environmental awareness

Ecology also refers to the awareness and concern for the environment and its protection.

Synonyms

environmentalism, green movement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
ecology

Used when talking about the scientific study of relationships between living things and their surroundings.

  • She studies ecology to understand how different species interact in their natural habitats
  • The ecology of the rainforest is incredibly diverse
environmentalism

Used to describe the movement aimed at protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices. May sometimes have a political or activist connotation.

  • Her dedication to environmentalism includes advocating for renewable energy sources
  • The rise of environmentalism has influenced many government policies
green movement

Generally used to describe the collective efforts and awareness campaigns aimed at promoting eco-friendly habits and reducing environmental impact. Often used in media or informal settings.

  • The green movement has led more people to recycle and reduce plastic use
  • Many companies are joining the green movement to improve their sustainability practices

Examples of usage

  • Many organizations focus on promoting ecology and sustainable practices.
  • Her passion for ecology led her to dedicate her life to environmental conservation efforts.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek words 'oikos' meaning home and 'logos' meaning study, so it literally means the study of homes.
  • It was first used in 1866 by a German scientist named Ernst Haeckel, who wanted to understand nature better.

Science

  • Ecology helps us learn about ecosystems, which are communities of living things interacting with their environment.
  • There are various branches of ecology, including marine ecology (study of ocean environments) and population ecology (study of species populations).

Environmental Importance

  • Understanding ecology is crucial for biodiversity conservation, helping to protect various species and their habitats.
  • Ecologists play a key role in addressing climate change by studying the impacts of human actions on ecosystems.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of ecology has inspired many popular movements, including Earth Day, highlighting the importance of environmental protection.
  • Films like 'Avatar' illustrate ecological principles by showcasing the interdependence of species and their environments.

Literature

  • Many writers, such as Rachel Carson in 'Silent Spring', have used ecological themes to address environmental issues and inspire change.
  • Ecological poetry often reflects the relationship between humans and nature, emphasizing the beauty and fragility of ecosystems.

Translations

Translations of the word "ecology" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ecologia

🇮🇳 पारिस्थितिकी

🇩🇪 Ökologie

🇮🇩 ekologi

🇺🇦 екологія

🇵🇱 ekologia

🇯🇵 生態学 (せいたいがく)

🇫🇷 écologie

🇪🇸 ecología

🇹🇷 ekoloji

🇰🇷 생태학 (생태 학)

🇸🇦 علم البيئة

🇨🇿 ekologie

🇸🇰 ekológia

🇨🇳 生态学 (shēngtài xué)

🇸🇮 ekologija

🇮🇸 vistfræði

🇰🇿 экология

🇬🇪 ეკოლოგია

🇦🇿 ekologiya

🇲🇽 ecología

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,740 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.