Sample Solution from
Ecology
8th Edition
ISBN: 9781259880056
Chapter 1
Problem 1RQ
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Textbook Problem

Faced with the complexity of nature, ecologists have divided the field of ecology into subdisciplines, each of which focuses on one of the levels of organization pictured in figure 1.1. What is the advantage of developing such subdisciplines within ecology?

Expert Solution
Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The advantages of developing the sub-disciplines within the ecology.

Introduction:

Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their surroundings, and it has been a focus of human research for as long as humans have been a species. Individual organisms to forces impacting global-scale processes can be structured by placing them as levels in an ecological hierarchy.

Explanation of Solution

Individuals, populations, interactions, community, ecosystem, landscape, region, and biosphere are the layers of ecological organization. Within an ecosystem, there are several levels of integration. The ability to create targeted interpretations is the major benefit of creating sub-disciplines within ecology. When studying a field like biology, it is frequently advantageous to break it down into smaller, related sections.

Ecologists concerned with the elements that determine an endangered species' survival, for example, might apply mathematical models to foresee the current effect of conservation efforts on the endangered organisms. A conservation biologist’s responsibility incorporates collecting accurate and precise data, such as recent population size, factors that influence reproduction, requirements of habitats (plants and soil), and probable human impact on the endangered population and its habitat, to develop a sound, set of management methods. Researchers in the field of ecology study at three distinct levels, often separately and sometimes in tandem: population, communities, and ecosystems.

Conclusion

Ecologists have separated the study of ecology into subdisciplines as a result of the complexity of nature because the complex item must be broken into its parts for focused interpretations.

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