Difference between revisions of "Ecology"
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Ecology is often confused with "[[evolution]]", in publications which use terms loosely. Here at Conservapedia, the we use "evolution" only to mean the emergence of a new species; see [[macroevolution]]. Adaptations such as can be seen in the different breeds of dogs are not considered "evolution" in this context (see also [[Origins debate]]). | Ecology is often confused with "[[evolution]]", in publications which use terms loosely. Here at Conservapedia, the we use "evolution" only to mean the emergence of a new species; see [[macroevolution]]. Adaptations such as can be seen in the different breeds of dogs are not considered "evolution" in this context (see also [[Origins debate]]). | ||
| − | A well known observation of ecology is the change in populations of predator and prey. When more predators are introduced to an environment, they eat more prey animals. This tends to increase the population of predators, since they get more food and can thus live longer to reproduce more. But it also reduces the food supply, which contrariwise causes the predators to live shorter lives and to reproduce less. In some ecosystems, the populations of predator and prey cycle up and down wildly, but usually they reach an equilibrium.<ref>Rockwood, Larry L. Introduction to Population Ecology. Wiley Blackwell, 2006 | + | A well known observation of ecology is the change in populations of predator and prey. When more predators are introduced to an environment, they eat more prey animals. This tends to increase the population of predators, since they get more food and can thus live longer to reproduce more. But it also reduces the food supply, which contrariwise causes the predators to live shorter lives and to reproduce less. In some ecosystems, the populations of predator and prey cycle up and down wildly, but usually they reach an equilibrium.<ref>Rockwood, Larry L. ''Introduction to Population Ecology''. Wiley Blackwell, 2006. ISBN 9781405132633. Chapter 10.</ref> |
Revision as of 12:44, April 10, 2008
Ecology is the study of relationships among organisms in ecosystems.[1] The term comes from the German "oekologie."
Ecology is often confused with "evolution", in publications which use terms loosely. Here at Conservapedia, the we use "evolution" only to mean the emergence of a new species; see macroevolution. Adaptations such as can be seen in the different breeds of dogs are not considered "evolution" in this context (see also Origins debate).
A well known observation of ecology is the change in populations of predator and prey. When more predators are introduced to an environment, they eat more prey animals. This tends to increase the population of predators, since they get more food and can thus live longer to reproduce more. But it also reduces the food supply, which contrariwise causes the predators to live shorter lives and to reproduce less. In some ecosystems, the populations of predator and prey cycle up and down wildly, but usually they reach an equilibrium.[2]