Introduction

Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with each other and their environment, focusing on understanding the structure, functioning, and dynamics of natural ecosystems. Ecosystems encompass communities of living organisms and their physical environments, where energy flows through food webs, sustaining life and driving ecological processes. These processes include the cycling of nutrients through biogeochemical cycles, influencing climate patterns and environmental stability. Population dynamics within ecosystems reveal patterns of growth, competition, and adaptation, while communities illustrate the intricate relationships and interdependencies among species.

Studying ecology provides insights into how ecosystems maintain balance, adapt to change, and contribute to broader environmental understanding and conservation efforts.

Objectives

After going through this unit you will be able to: 

1. understand structure and function of ecosystem;

2. explain energy flows in ecosystem;

3. describe biogeochemical cycles with climate pattern;

4. know about population and community level of organisation in ecosystem.