What is Ecology and Ecosystem? Understand the difference between them

Introduction

Ecology and ecosystems reveal how life connects and maintains nature’s balance. This blog explores their core concepts and role in shaping Earth’s biodiversity.

Defination of ecology and ecosystem

The term ‘Ecology’ was coined by German biologist Haans Reiter in 1865 and defined by Ernst Haeckel in 1870 as the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. It comes from Greek roots: ‘Oikos’ (home) and ‘logos’ (study). Living organisms and their environment are closely linked, with changes in one affecting the other.

An ecosystem is a functional unit in ecology where living organisms (biotic community) interact with their physical environment (abiotic factors). These interactions, driven by energy flow and nutrient cycling, are vital for life processes. Ecosystems vary in size, from small ponds to vast rainforests, each with unique species and traits.

From biological point of view, the ecosystem has the following constituents:

Forest Ecology

• Plants have been dominating the earth for about 3.0 billion years. They have the unique art of manufacturing their own food by photo-synthesis from nature and the rest of the living world depends on them for their food and sustenance. Plants constitute 99 per cent of earth’s living species while the rest 1 per cent includes animals and man who depend on the plant world for their food.
• If this ratio (99 : l) is disturbed by elimination of plants (i.e.,deforestation), then the natural balance will be lost and the entire living world will suffer.The dynamic balance is among plants (producers), bacteria and micro-organisms (decomposers) which decompose mineral salts in soil into elements which are cycled back into plants and animals and man (consumers). Once this dynamic balance is upset, there is ecological crisis whereby the entire biosphere is in danger.
• Forests are renewable resources and play a key role in improving the quality of environment by exerting beneficial effect on the life support system. Moreover, forests also contribute much to the development of the country by providing goods and services to people and industry.Tropical forests serve as treasure houses of valuable plant and animal genes, including many undiscovered medicinal species. People regard these forests—especially tropical ones—as vital bioreserves. Our ancient civilization flourished in forests, where rishis (seers) built the foundation of Indian philosophy.
• It is well-known that forests play a vital role in the life and economy of all forest-dwelling communities. They supply food (tubers, roots, leaves, fruits from plants; meat from birds and animals), medicinal herbs, and other forest products for commercial use, which support forest-based subsistence.
• Around 3000 B.C. India had about 80 per cent forest cover. But waves of migrants came to India from middle-east countries which were deserts and tree-less and they changed the whole landscape. During the Maurya period of history emperor Chandra Gupta and later his grandson, Ashoka adopted the policy of tree-plantation. Emperor Ashoka also ordered the establishment of the first wildlife sanctuaries (Abhay Aranya). Engraved scriptures on stone walls and pillars from this era depict how people treated wild animals with medicine and care, gave trees and plants special attention, and actively prohibited their destruction.
• During the Mughal period, the scenario changed drastically, as the Mughals—originating from desert regions—converted vast forested areas into agricultural lands. Subsequently, during the British era, this rate of conversion continued unabated. In addition, the British extensively exploited forests for timber to support the expansion of their communication systems, such as railway lines and roads, especially after 1867, following India’s First War of Independence (Sepoy Mutiny). Later, even after India gained Independence in 1947, the situation failed to improve. On the contrary, the trend of using forests primarily for revenue generation persisted. As a result, forest cover has alarmingly declined from about 80 percent to merely 12 percent over the last 5,000 years. Alarmingly, India continues to lose approximately 1.3 million hectares (1 hectare = 2.5 acres) of forests every year.
• The main causes for forest destruction are human population and livestock population explosion (livestock means cattle, goats, buffaloes, sheep). The latter puts tremendous pressure on forests for meeting their demands for timber and fuel wood (for man) and grazing land (for livestock). At the global level wood consumption is 46 per cent for industrial and 54 per cent for firewood purposes. The present requirements in India (2000 A.D.) are 78 per cent for fuel wood, 16 per cent for timber and 6 per cent for pulpwood (for paper industry).

Sustainable Ecosystem

Currently, developing countries face a critical situation on both economic and environmental fronts. On one hand, they must prioritize agricultural and industrial development to achieve economic growth. On the other hand, they often do so at the expense of the environment. Consequently, once they deplete their resource base, it triggers a chain of environmental degradation. Ultimately, this degradation significantly weakens the economy.

Undoubtedly, our population explosion remains the core issue. Therefore, we must shape our development policy in a way that ensures ecosystem sustainability—that is, it must incorporate the element of renewability. To achieve this, we need a sound management strategy. In particular, such a strategy must actively promote long-term continuity of socioeconomic development while simultaneously protecting environmental balance.

Conservation and practices that are sustainable

In the face of environmental challenges,ecological awareness is essential.Conservation efforts work to save biodiversity, endangered species and degraded ecosystems.Sustainable practices like responsible resource management and habitat preservation are crucial for ecosystem health and resilience.

Conclusion

Ecology and ecosystems reveal life’s complex interactions on Earth. Embracing our role as caretakers helps us build a balanced relationship with nature. Valuing them is not just science—it’s a call to protect Earth’s rich biodiversity.