Definition of Community Ecology

Community ecology also known as synecology examines the interaction between species in a group over a wide range of spatial scales comprising population dynamics, demography, and abundance.

Community Ecology Definition & Examples

Community ecology is the study of the functioning and organization of the communities which are assemblages of interacting populations of species living in a particular habitat. It represents the populations of all species living and interacting in an area at a particular time. Community ecology is the term suggested by Cornell professor Robert Whittaker in 1975.

Table of Content

  • Definition of Community Ecology
  • What is Community Ecology?
  • Types of Community
  • Community Structure
  • Examples of Community Ecology
  • Characteristics of a Community Ecology
  • Importance of Community Ecology

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Definition of Community Ecology

Community ecology also known as synecology examines the interaction between species in a group over a wide range of spatial scales comprising population dynamics, demography, and abundance....

What is Community Ecology?

The study of interactions between species in groups across a broad variety of temporal and spatial scales, including distribution, population dynamics, structure, abundance, and demography, is known as community ecology, or synecology. Community ecology is mainly concerned with how certain genotypic and phenotypic features affect interactions within populations. Studies of community ecology concentrate on the relationships and rivalry between organisms that coexist in a certain ecological niche, such as a grassland, lake, or forested area....

Types of Community

There are two main types of community:...

Community Structure

The community structure describes the composition of a community by including a number of species and their relative abundances. Different ecological communities can have rather different kinds and numbers of species living there. Communities that are near the equator are generally home to the most notable species, whereas communities that are closest to the poles are usually home to the fewest species....

Examples of Community Ecology

Numerous diverse ecological interactions that are always changing are included in community ecology. A forest community is made up of all the trees, the flora, fish in the forest rivers, birds, deer, squirrels, foxes, mushrooms, insects, and other seasonal or local species. A coral reef community is made up of different types of fish, algae, and coral. The biotic community is significantly influenced by dispersion and abundance....

Characteristics of a Community Ecology

The primary features of community ecology are species diversity, trophic organization, dominance, self-sufficiency, growth shape and structure, and relative abundance. A pond, a forest, and a desert are examples of natural communities. A community’s development, organisation, and behaviours are all distinct....

Importance of Community Ecology

The community ecology is important because:...

Conclusion – Community Ecology

Understanding how communities are structured and evolve across time is made possible through the study of community ecology. Understanding community structure is also essential to foreseeing the consequences of species extinction or decline (loss of variety). It helps in understanding that community ecology is vital for comprehending the intricate relationships between species and their environments. It also encourages further exploration of related topics to deepen ecological knowledge....

FAQs on Community Ecology

Define Community....