explain why it is difficult for ecologists to give definitive answers. course hero

by Liliane Steuber 8 min read

What does an ecologist do?

Ecologists are chiefly concerned with the distribution and abundance of living things in the environment. Ecology is the study of the interactions of living organisms with their environment. The word " ecology " comes from the Greek word "oîkos," meaning "house", indicating that ecology is the study of an organism's abode.

What is the meaning of ecology?

The word " ecology " comes from the Greek word "oîkos," meaning "house", indicating that ecology is the study of an organism's abode. In this sense, ecology seeks is to understand the distribution and abundance of living things in the physical environment.

What is ecological research?

Some ecological research also applies aspects of chemistry and physics, and it frequently uses mathematical models. Ecologists study within several biological levels of organization, which include organism, population, community, and ecosystem. Ecologists seek to explain:

What is the study of ecology?

The study of ecology is also full of theories that help to explain the way in which organisms interact with their environments—but there is still much that is not understand about these relationships.

What is the difference between ecology and environmentalism?

Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with their environment, while environmentalism is a broader study of the various elements of the earth. Some aspects of environmentalism will naturally overlap with areas of study in ecology—such as how environments change, how changes impact habitats, how those alterations impact ...

What are some examples of non-living parts of the environment?

For example, humans are notorious for polluting soil, water and the atmosphere which can increase the temperature on the planet, which is what people call global warming.

Why are there fewer plants in cities?

There are fewer plants and bodies of water in cities to help cool the climate. In the countryside, plants and usually water can be found to help in the cooling process. Plus, in the countryside there is less concrete, fewer cars causing pollution that also contributes to the heat island effect in cities.

What are the fields of environmentalists?

Environmentalists will pay a lot of attention to ecological fluctuations and alterations in their field—but they also pay attention to other fields such as weather, climatology, oceanography and so on. Ecology can be considered as a narrow field or defined field with environmentalism.

Why do animals depend on plants?

For example, animals often depend on plant populations for shelter and sustenance: birds nest in trees, for instance, and some rely on the nectar of plants for food—such as humming birds. Plants in turn rely on animals, as animals help to pollinate them by dispersing seeds.

Why are animal and plant populations dependent on one another at the ecosystem level?

Animal and plant populations are depended on one another at the ecosystem level because all things have a life cycle and that cycle is what perpetuates life on the planet.