The term ecosystem was coined by?
(a) E.P. Odum.
(b) A.G Tansley.
(c) E. Haeckel.
(d) E. Warming.
Hint: The scientist is a botanist and phytologist affiliated with the British Ecological Society, known for introducing the ecosystem concept. He was also honored with the Linnean Medal and became a Fellow of the Royal Society. An English botanist, he made significant contributions to ecological science.
Complete answer:
The scientist who introduced the term “ecosystem” was A.G. Tansley. He emphasized the importance of the biotic community and its physical environment working together as a basic unit in ecology. An ecosystem is a crucial part of the biosphere, comprising both living organisms (biotic components) and the nonliving (abiotic) environment, which interact with each other. Tansley coined the term “ecosystem” in 1935, replacing the earlier term “biocoenosis.”
Additional information: E. Haeckel introduced many terms widely used in biology today, including “phylum,” “phylogeny,” and “ecology.”
The biotic structure of an ecosystem refers to how organisms interact within it. Each species has a tolerance level, optimum range, and stress zone for the environmental abiotic factors, which are non-living components that shape the ecosystem. In terrestrial ecosystems, key abiotic factors include temperature, water, and light, while in marine ecosystems, factors like salinity and ocean currents are significant. Ecosystems are generally organized into three primary groups: producers, consumers, and decomposers.
Both abiotic and biotic factors play interconnected roles in forming a unique ecosystem.
Therefore, the correct answer is option “(b) A.G. Tansley.”
Note: Ecosystems are classified into natural and artificial types. Natural ecosystems encompass forests, deserts, and grasslands, while artificial ecosystems include ponds, lakes, rivers, marine environments, and estuaries.