Difference
b/w Ecology & Ecosystem
Ecology and ecosystem
are closely related concepts within the field of environmental science, but
they refer to different aspects of the natural world.
Ecology is the scientific study of the relationships
between living organisms and their environment. It encompasses the interactions
between organisms and their physical surroundings, as well as the interactions
among different species. Ecologists study topics such as population dynamics,
community structure, energy flow, and nutrient cycling. Ecology seeks to
understand the patterns and processes that govern the distribution and
abundance of organisms, as well as the functioning of ecosystems.
Ecosystem refers to a specific, bounded system consisting
of all the living organisms (biotic components) in a particular area and the
non-living factors (abiotic components) with which they interact. These
interactions include the flow of energy and nutrients among organisms and
between organisms and their physical environment. Ecosystems can vary greatly
in size, from small ponds or patches of forest to entire biomes like deserts or
oceans. Each ecosystem has its own unique characteristics and dynamics shaped
by factors such as climate, geology, and the species present.
In summary, ecology is the study of the
relationships between organisms and their environment, while an ecosystem is a
specific, functioning unit consisting of all the organisms and their physical
environment within a defined area. Ecology provides the theoretical framework
and principles for understanding ecosystem dynamics and functioning.