Difference Between

Ecological vs Environmental

Ecology and environment are two aspects of nature and its study that have taken centre stage today. This is both because of degradation of the environment through pollution as well as changes in ecology caused by natural forces. As both ecological and environmental are inter related concepts, they cause confusion in the minds of readers, and many think of these two as same which is not true. This article will attempt to highlight the differences between these two terms.

Ecological studies refer to distribution and abundance of various living organisms and their interaction with the environment, not only this, but also the influence of the environment on their habitat and their distribution. The main focus of the environmental studies is on the interaction of human beings with the various aspects of the environment. Their concern is about the harm caused by human activities and how to conserve the environment. Environmental studies are not bothered by the interaction of organisms with their environment as such.

Ecological studies are broader in nature and require study of physical, chemical as well as biological environments of various organisms. They make deep analysis of biogeochemical cycles and typically begin with the input of energy from the sun, which acts as a source of food for plants, as they convert it into food through photosynthesis. Ecological studies require close cooperation of geologists, chemists and botanists as they study the impact and relationship of organisms and their environment.

Environmentalists are people who are mainly concerned with pollution caused by human activities and its impact on the immediate environment. Though it makes mention of endangered species and how to increase numbers in such species, environmentalism is more concerned with steps to be taken to improve the quality of the environment.