ecology
UK: iːˈkɒlədʒi | US: iːˈkɑːlədʒi
n. the branch of biology that studies the interactions among organisms and their environment
n. the study of the relationships between living things and their surroundings
n. the political or social movement concerned with environmental protection
The word ecology originates from the Greek oikos (meaning "house" or "environment") and -logia (meaning "study of"). It was coined in 1866 by German biologist Ernst Haeckel to describe the study of organisms in their "home" or natural habitat. Over time, its meaning expanded to include broader environmental relationships and later became associated with conservation movements.
Ecology teaches us how species adapt to their habitats.
The professor specializes in marine ecology.
Urban ecology examines how cities impact wildlife.
His research focuses on the ecology of rainforests.
The book discusses the link between ecology and economics.