Ecological Concepts

1. Ecosystem

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment (such as air, water, and mineral soil), interacting as a system.

2. Food Chain and Food Web

A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another. A food web consists of many interconnected food chains and shows the complex feeding relationships in an ecosystem.

3. Biotic and Abiotic Factors

Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem (e.g., plants, animals, and microorganisms) while abiotic factors are the non-living components (e.g., temperature, sunlight, water, and soil).

4. Ecological Succession

Ecological succession is the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time. It occurs after a disturbance, gradually changing the composition of the community until a stable climax community is reached.

5. Population Dynamics

Population dynamics is the study of how populations change in size and composition over time. Factors such as birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration influence population growth or decline.

6. Conservation and Biodiversity

Conservation aims to protect and preserve natural resources, including the variety of living organisms in an ecosystem (biodiversity). It involves efforts to maintain the balance of ecosystems and prevent the extinction of species.

Studying Ecology