Summary
The study of how organisms interact with each other and with their physical environment.
In depth
Ecology spans levels of organisation: organism, population, community, ecosystem, biome and biosphere. Ernst Haeckel coined the word in 1866. Ecologists use field observation, experiments and mathematical models.
Core questions: what limits distribution and abundance, how species interact, and how energy and matter flow.
Different questions need different scales and methods: field surveys, controlled experiments, mesocosms and models. Long-term datasets, such as Hubbard Brook, reveal slow changes.
Remember: ecology is a science; environmentalism is a movement informed by it.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ecology?
The study of how organisms interact with each other and with their physical environment.
Which area of biology covers Ecology, and how advanced is it?
Ecology is one of the 54 topics in Ecology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Ecosystem, Carrying Capacity, Keystone Species.
Why does Ecology matter?
It underpins conservation, agriculture, fisheries and understanding climate change.
What should I learn before Ecology?
Ecology is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Ecology that pair well with it include Ecosystem, Biotic and Abiotic Factors, Habitat and Niche.
What topics are related to Ecology?
The closest topics to Ecology are Ecosystem, Carrying Capacity, Keystone Species, Biogeochemical Modelling. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Ecology?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Ecology. To practise the whole of Ecology, use the Ecology quiz.
How is Ecology different from Ecosystem?
Ecology: The study of how organisms interact with each other and with their physical environment. Ecosystem: A community of living organisms interacting with the non-living parts of their environment. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Ecology step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Ecosystem and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Ecology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.