ecology
ih-KAH-luh-jee
/iˈkɑːlədʒi/
The branch of science dealing with the relationships between living organisms and their physical surroundings.
Refers to the scientific discipline or study of interactions, rather than the physical organisms or environment themselves.
The story behind the word. Coined in 1866 by Ernst Haeckel as 'Oekologie', combining Greek 'oikos' (dwelling place) and '-logia' (study). Haeckel envisioned it as the comprehensive science studying the economy of living nature.
Word relationships
- bionomics: Bionomics is an older term focusing specifically on organisms' adaptation to their environment.
Commonly confused with
- ecosystem: Ecology is the scientific study, whereas an ecosystem is the actual physical community of organisms and environment.
Word family
- ecological (adjective): Relating to ecology or environmental relationships.
- ecologist (noun): A scientist who studies ecology.
Collocations
- marine ecology
- forest ecology
- human ecology
- principles of ecology
Example sentences
- "Modern marine ecology examines how overfishing alters underwater web dynamics across entire oceanic regions." Scientific study
- "The principles of forest ecology suggest that clear-cutting degrades soil stability for generations." Environmental activism
Memory hook
Think of ECOLOGY as studying the Eco (home)-ology (knowledge) of planet Earth. Nature's household management study.
When not to use
Do not use 'ecology' when you mean a physical place; use 'environment' or 'habitat' instead.
Fun facts
- The word was originally spelled 'oecology' in English before the 'o' was dropped in the late 19th century.
Related words
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