Wetland ecology is the study of the complex interactions between organisms and their environment within wetlands. It explores the unique ecosystems found in these water-saturated areas, focusing on the relationships between plants, animals, and the physical and chemical properties of the water and soil. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Water Saturation: Wetlands are characterized by … Read more
Mycology is the branch of biology dedicated to the study of fungi, including their genetic and biochemical properties, their taxonomy and their use to humans. It encompasses a vast field, exploring everything from the microscopic yeasts to the largest of mushrooms, their ecological roles and their impact on various aspects of human life. Key Characteristics … Read more
Natural history is the study of organisms, including animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms, in their natural environments. It’s a broad field encompassing observation, description, and classification of life forms and their interactions with each other and their surroundings. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Observation-based: Relies heavily on direct observation of organisms and their habitats. Descriptive: … Read more
Marine biology is the scientific study of marine organisms, their behaviors, and interactions with the environment. It encompasses a vast range of topics, from the tiniest plankton to the largest whales. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Focus on marine organisms: Plants, animals, microorganisms, etc. Study of habitats: Oceans, seas, estuaries, and coastal areas. Ecological interactions: … Read more
Mammalogy is the branch of zoology that studies mammals. It encompasses all aspects of mammalian biology, from their anatomy and physiology to their behavior, evolution, and ecology. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Study of mammals: Mammalogy focuses exclusively on the class Mammalia. Diverse subject matter: It covers a broad range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, … Read more
Herpetology is the branch of zoology specifically concerned with the study of amphibians and reptiles. It encompasses a wide range of scientific disciplines, from their anatomy and physiology to their behavior, ecology, and conservation. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Focus on amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders, caecilians) and reptiles (lizards, snakes, turtles, crocodiles, tuataras). Study of … Read more
Grassland ecology is the study of grasslands as ecosystems, focusing on the interactions between organisms and their environment within these vast, grassy landscapes. It examines the complex relationships between plants, animals, and the physical factors that shape these unique habitats. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Dominance of grasses and herbaceous plants: Grasslands are defined by … Read more
Freshwater biology is the study of life in freshwater ecosystems, such as lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and wetlands. It encompasses the interactions between organisms and their environment within these aquatic systems. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Focus on aquatic ecosystems lacking significant salinity. Study of a wide range of organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. … Read more
Environmental science is the interdisciplinary study of how the natural world works, how humans interact with it, and how to deal with environmental problems. It’s a broad field encompassing many scientific disciplines to understand and address environmental challenges. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Interdisciplinary: Draws on biology, chemistry, geology, physics, ecology, and more. Systems Thinking: … Read more
Ecology is the scientific study of the relationships between organisms and their environment. It explores how living things interact with each other and the physical world around them, encompassing everything from individual organisms to entire ecosystems. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Biotic factors: Living components of an ecosystem (plants, animals, fungi, bacteria). Abiotic factors: Non-living … Read more