Career opportunities in Ecology

Ranjan K Baruah *

Ecology is not synonymous with environment, environmentalism, natural history, or environmental science. It is closely related to evolutionary biology, genetics, and ethology. An important focus for ecologists is to improve the understanding of how biodiversity affects ecological function.

Ecologists seek to explain life processes, interactions, and adaptations; the movement of materials and energy through living communities; the abundance and distribution of organisms and biodiversity in the context of the environment.

It is the scientific analysis and study of interactions among organisms and their environment. It is an interdisciplinary field that includes biology, geography, earth science, etc. Ecology includes the study of interactions organisms have with each other, other organisms, and with abiotic components of their environment.

Topics of interest to ecologists include the diversity, distribution, amount (biomass), and number (population) of particular organisms, as well as cooperation and competition between organisms, both within and among ecosystems. Ecosystems are composed of dynamically interacting parts including organisms, the communities they make up, and the non-living components of their environment.

Ecosystem processes, such as primary production, pedogenesis, nutrient cycling, and various niche construction activities, regulate the flux of energy and matter through an environment. These processes are sustained by organisms with specific life history traits, and the variety of organisms is called biodiversity. Biodiversity, which refers to the varieties of species, genes, and ecosystems, enhances certain ecosystem services. It is a human science as well.

There are many practical applications of ecology in conservation biology, wetland management, natural resource management (agro ecology, agriculture, forestry, agro forestry, fisheries), city planning (urban ecology), community health, economics, basic and applied science, and human social interaction (human ecology). The word “ecology” was coined in 1866 by the German scientist Ernst Haeckel (1834–1919).

Ecological thought is derivative of established currents in philosophy, particularly from ethics and politics. Ancient Greek philosophers such as Hippocrates and Aristotle laid the foundations of ecology in their studies on natural history. Modern ecology became a much more rigorous science in the late 19th century. Evolutionary concepts relating to adaptation and natural selection became the cornerstones of modern ecological theory.

Students who take this subject are called ecologists. Ecologists have lot of task to do.

Some of them are to conduct research outdoors and in the laboratory ;
teach students and the general public -at universities or colleges as well as at high schools, museums ;
apply ecological knowledge to solve environmental problems – by investigating ecological issues,
interacting with affected communities,
writing environmental impact statements,
and designing sustainable practices policies;
help manage natural resources ;
communicate with co-workers, students, and the public – by writing articles and research papers,
giving lectures and presentations,
participating in discussions, and
conducting outreach in their local communities, etc .

In simple their role is from research to outreach campaign or programmes. It depends on the students what s/he would like to choose out of different roles and responsibilities.

Scholarships / Exams Update: Scholarships for D.Ed. and B.Ed from Tata Trusts: Tata Trusts is offering scholarships for students pursuing D Ed and B Ed for the current academic year 2018-2019 for studies in India. This scholarship is applicable only for those pursuing studies in Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra and North-East India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura).

This scholarship is applicable only for the tuition fees and other related fees paid to the Institute / University. Candidates should have secured 60% and above in their last academic year. Aspirants may apply before 5th November.