In the twentieth century, having separated from biology into a separate science, ecology begins its life. This discipline immediately began to gain popularity. Until now, it continues to develop rapidly. Although it covers a fairly wide range of issues, probably everyone can roughly answer if you ask him: “What does ecology study?”.
The subject of research of this science is usually characterized by different specialists in the same way. So, answering the question about what ecology studies, they say quite simply: the object of study is the interaction of living organisms with the environment of their permanent habitat. To make it more clear, a detailed explanation is needed.
Firstly, these are living organisms. If we consider them individually, then they are influenced by three main groups of factors:
- habitat (this may include air humidity, vegetation, illumination level of the area, air temperature at night and day, relief and otherscircumstances);
- other representatives of the fauna (this includes both representatives of the same population that affect the offspring of an individual, the level of its protection, and representatives of other species and populations that affect the emergence of a competitive environment, diet, behavior of an individual);
- anthropogenic factors (proximity of human habitation, his activities in the area).
Thus, in the environment - among other animals, plants and humans - patterns of behavior are formed in individuals, the diet changes, and, possibly, the place of residence also changes. In other words, adaptation to the environment and its conditions takes place. As we know, it is she who is the main factor in evolution.
What else does ecology study? Nature itself, that is, the biosphere. Ecologists carefully study how the appearance and change of certain qualitative and quantitative parameters of territorial natural zones are influenced by the life of some living organisms on them (and the interaction between them) and human activity. The influence of physical factors is also being studied - the amount of light, temperature, humidity, pressure and others.
Environmental scientists have already achieved a lot in their research. In this they are helped by continuous study and practice.
So, all over the world they go on expeditions in order to take a closer look at something known or discover and start learning new things. As a result of these "work trips"often new animal or plant species are discovered, endangered species are resolved, new food chains are uncovered.
What does ecology study. Contemporary Aspect
Nowadays, when we hear about ecology, we are most likely thinking about our impact on nature. And these thoughts will be true. The fact is that the most problematic issue of ecology is precisely the negative impact of humans on the environment (emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere and water, poaching, deforestation and drainage of lakes and swamps). Today, a huge number of public organizations are trying to solve these problems, but it is very difficult. Ordinary people can only avoid littering on the street and in water bodies, drive less and eat environmentally friendly products.
