Get complete information on Ecology

Ecology is the study of plants in reciprocal relationship with their environment. The two aspects of ecology are:

(i) Autoecology:

Ecology of individuals.

(ii) Synecology:

It is the study of interaction between all the living organisms in a natural community.

Ecosystem:

It is a system of interacting organisms and non-living substances. Ecosystem may be large or small, complex or simple. The common ecological factors are

(A) Physical Factors

(B) Chemical Factors.

(A) Physical Factors:

They include temperature, light, wind, gravity, soil conditions, pressure and presence or absence of natural barriers. Most organisms have an optimum temperature for their living and minimum and maximum temperature beyond which they cannot survive.

Adaptations such as aestivation, hibernation and diapauses help the organisms to overcome adverse temperatures. Light also plays a major role in life of plants and animals. The organisms active during the day are diurnal and those active in the night are nocturnal.

Wind, rather the velocity and direction of wind affects the usual course of animals.

(B) Chemical Factors:

They include quality of soil and water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, obnoxious gases and the quality and quantity of usuable foods.