The term 'ecology' was first introduced by Ernst Haeckel, a German zoologist. He used the term 'oekologie' to illustrate the relationship of an animal to both its organic and inorganic environment. The term originates from the Greek word 'oikos', signifying 'home', 'household', or 'habitat'. Thus, ecology essentially concentrates on the relationship between the organism and its environment.
Ecological systems, also known as ecosystems, are established through the interactions between different organisms and their environments. These interactions can occur between individuals within the same population or those from different groups. The concept of environment here encompasses both the living organisms and the physical surroundings.
Further Reading:
- Understanding the Concept of Community in Ecology
- Distinguishing between Species, Population, and Community
- Studying Organisms and their Population Attributes
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