1. Introduction to Ecology

Ecology is the study of the interactions between an organism and its biological and physical environment. Ecologists study these interactions at multiple levels – the organism, the population, the community, the ecosystem, and the ecosphere (from least to most inclusive).

There are three important themes of ecology:

1. There is an intimate connection with the theory of evolution.
2. Ecological systems do not necessarily achieve equilibrium.
3. Humans have a significant impact on the environment and on ecological processes.

—July 2020
—June 2021