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What is Ecology?
Ecology is a multidisciplinary discipline that includes biological, chemical, geological, climatological, and meteorological elements. It is the study of how organisms interact with one another and their surroundings. It also includes the study of the impacts of such interactions on the abundance and distribution of different kinds of species and resources.
Who is an Ecologist?
The Ecologist is a scientist who studies ecology and specializes in one of its different kinds. Here is the kind of scientific knowledge ecologists have,
1. They understand how temperature, soil, water, geological processes, natural selection, and species population dynamics affect ecosystems.
2. They calculate the impact of the extinction of a certain species on an ecosystem.
3. They examine natural interactions, such as how animals, plants, and humans interact with one another.
4. They frequently run experiments and perform fieldwork,
So, if you are looking forward to becoming an ecologist, you'll need strong analytical abilities. Good IT abilities are also necessary since you'll be asked to create computer simulations of how human actions, for example, could affect the natural world.
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Areas of Specialization in Ecology
As an ecologist, you could specialize in one of the following areas:
- Flora – plants and flowers
- Fauna – animals
- Marine – sea plants and creatures
- Freshwater - river and lake plants and creatures
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Types of Ecology
There are six major types of ecology. These are,
1. Global Ecology
This is the study of the interaction of different kinds of ecosystems like land, water, and the atmosphere. It provides an understanding of the impact such interactions have on the whole world.
2. Population Ecology
This type of ecology is concerned with the numbers of populations of different species and the components (such as genetic makeup and climate) that can impact these populations. Such ecologists research population growth and the interactions among the populations.
3. Community Ecology
This is the study of the interaction between the living things in one community. It focuses on two or more types of living things in a single area and studies the impact of their interactions.
4. Landscape Ecology
Landscape ecology focuses on the interaction of ecological byproducts like materials, organisms, and energy. The structure and function of different types of landscapes and their collective impacts on human lives are the areas of focus in landscape ecology.
5. Molecular Ecology
Molecular ecology is a science that analyses and incorporates molecular data to study the interactions between living organisms and their environment. Along with an understanding of organisms’ internal systems, it also focuses on their evolutionary processes.
6. Organismal Ecology
This is the study of organisms’ responses to numerous kinds of environmental stimuli. It focuses on the morphology, physiology, behavior, and other aspects of organisms and their changes with respect to the changes in the environment. It focuses on the way that organisms adapt and respond to the environment.
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Environmentalism as an Important Field of Research in Ecology
Environmentalism is an important topic of research within ecology. The negative ecological impacts of human involvement with the environment, such as global warming, ozone depletion, air and water pollution, acid rain, deforestation, wetland loss, solid waste disposal, toxic chemicals, and other hazardous wastes are all concerns of environmentalists.
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Nature of Work of Ecologists
Ecologists work in numerous diverse environments. These include indoor and outdoor settings according to the kind of ecological habitats they are working in. This is an overview of how your professional life can sound as an ecologist,
1. Developing and testing hypotheses about populations, communities, and ecosystem function
2. Conducting field, lab, and theoretical research
3. Analyzing data using statistical models
4. Studying plant and animal characteristics over time
5. Assessing the biodiversity of ecosystems and examining influencing factors like pollution
6. Providing useful data and advice to internal and external parties
7. Using modeling techniques to assess the potential impact of ecosystem changes
8. Publishing the results of studies and research within the workgroup and throughout the field
9. Applying for permits and navigating regulatory processes
10. Managing multifaceted projects
11. Supporting strategic initiatives and business development for the region
12. Establishing productive relationships with clients and partners
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How to Become an Ecologist?
To become an ecologist, you’ll need a degree in ecology or a related subject. Having a specific ecology-related postgraduate qualification is highly desirable. Related subjects include conservation biology, marine biology, zoology, and environmental science. After you complete your education, you can apply for numerous jobs in industry and academia according to your preference.
For details on universities offering ecology visit,
Job Opportunities for Ecologists
Ecologists can find numerous good job opportunities. Some of the major employment opportunities for ecologists are found in,
1. Environmental NGOs
2. Municipal councils
3. Forestry
4. Survey Firms
5. Conservation scientist
6. Research Centres
7. Article/ book/ report writing
8. Laboratory researcher
9. Consultancy firms
10. Irrigation ministry
11. University and academia
Scope of Ecology in Pakistan
Ecology has a good scope in Pakistan and can offer really good opportunities in the future. Many firms and government bodies are increasingly interested in research and innovation in such fields. However, you should study environmental sciences, rather than just ecology in Pakistan. There is a small difference between the both. Ecology is strictly a scientific field of life sciences. Whereas, environmental sciences are interdisciplinary and include the study of the environment from numerous scientific and non-scientific lenses. Since environmental sciences are more popular in Pakistan, you should consider studying this if you have the aptitude for interdisciplinary knowledge.
Qualities and Skills Required for Good Ecologists
To become a good ecologist, you must have the following skills and qualities,
1. Passion for serving the environment
2. Analytical skills
3. Statistical skills
4. Teamwork
5. Organization skills
6. Time management skills
7. Computer skills
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