Ecology

Ecology is a branch of science in which the interaction of living and inanimate beings with each other and their environment is examined. Origin of ancient Greek οἶκος (home) and -λογία (science) consists of words. The earth is home to many assets. These assets in the ecosystems constitute a systematic and complex structure. Therefore, ecology is the subject of research in coordination with many disciplines.

The first use of ecology as a term was carried out by the German zoologist Ernst Haeckel. The aim is to examine the interaction of animals with living and non-living beings. The foundations of the term described by Aristotle's student Theophrastus were modernized by the work of animal and plant physiologists. The importance of population dynamics has been realized by Thomas Malthus, who draws attention to the unbalanced distribution of food resources and population growth.

As the number of ecologists interested in research and ecology increased, the subject started to be examined deeply. In addition to the ecologists who have explored the dynamics of mixed and homogeneous communities, ecologists interested in energy storage and use have continued their research. In 1920, German ecologist Thienemann revealed that food energy is being stepped from producers to consumers. In 1927, British animal ecologist Elton developed his views on the pyramid of numbers and the concepts of ecological niches and the steps of food energy.

Following the development of technologies such as the use of radioactive isotopes, micro-calorimetry, applied mathematics and computers, energy flow and feeding cycles are measured, monitored and classified. This condition, called system ecology, deals with the functions and structures of ecosystems.

With the first life on Earth, living environments exist and sometimes cover a very small area and sometimes continents. Ecosystems are very different living environments. In a particular area, it is the environment in which components consisting of herbivor, carnivore and omnivores are present, where the energy flow and nutrient cycle have unique chemical and physical properties. Ecosystems are the result of perfect harmony with living and non-living factors. The system loses its functionality in the event of any balance disturbance. Organisms that maintain their vital activities are called biotic factors and include living factors in the food chain pyramid. The environment in which vital activities take place is called abiotic factors, and wind, humidity, heat, light, air, water and so on. lifeless factors.

In addition, underground resources, mines, lakes, oceans, soil, atmosphere, climate and so on. plants, microorganisms, animals and humans are called living beings. The interaction of these two elements with each other is biological, physical and chemical. Nutrition, physical space, oxygen supply and so on. an ecological balance is mentioned when interactions occur under natural conditions. This feature stems from the fact that the ecosystem is a natural systematic mechanism. The fact that each species has an ecological niche is one reason for its equilibrium. The ecosystem, which has maintained its balance state to this day, is being degraded due to external interventions.

Being an important ring in the ecological balance chain, human beings act in a way that will disrupt the balance. Developments in science and technology, fossil fuels used in industries, natural resources to the limit of depletion, rapidly increasing population and over-consumption, such as ecosystems are implemented to cause negative effects. It intervenes in natural vegetation to increase the habitat. It uses consumable resources to meet the increasing consumption needs and prepares the ground for their disappearance. In addition, it discharges many chemicals into water and soil during the production process and pollutes the air with harmful gases released into the atmosphere.

As a result of these situations, environmental pollution increases, living conditions are heavier and living health is negatively affected. Correction of this situation passes from understanding the science of ecology and its importance.

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