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ecological dictionary

E

Earth

The planet on which we live; the land or soil on which animals and plants live and rely.

Eco

A prefix based on the Greek word for “house” meaning “habitat” or “environment.”

E. coli

A common bacterium found in the intestines of vertebrates, including humans. A high concentration of E. coli in water may indicate that it is contaminated with human excrement.

Ecological Indicators

Measurable characteristics related to the structure, composition or functioning of ecological systems. For example, certain species require specific environmental criteria to be in place. The presence of such species in a specific area or place can therefore be an indication of certain conditions in that area.

Ecology

The study of the relationship between organisms and their environment. It is also known as the study of ecosystems.

Ecosystem

A system of organisms and their environment. The earth is a big ecosystem which includes smaller ecosystems such as mountains, jungles and lakes.

Edafology

The study of nature and the condition of the earth in relation to living organisms, especially microorganisms and plants.

Environment

Elements and phenomena such as climate, earth and organisms, which, together, form the conditions for life.

Environmental cleaning

A series of measures to control, reduce or eliminate contamination, with the goal of improving the quality of life for living organisms, particularly humans.

Environmental pollution/contamination

Harmful substances in environmental compartments like air, water and ground, caused by human activity, present in concentrations great enough to harm the environment or human health.

Erosion

The progressive loss of land due to the combined action of water, wind and biological agents.

Estuary zone

Coastal area which changes into marshy land, and normally has an abundance of plants and aquatic life.

Ethology

The study of animal behavior.

Eutrophication

The enrichment of an aquatic system as a result of an influx of a large amount of nutrients. Plants such as algae then grow in excess, reducing the dissolved oxygen content, and potentially killing other organisms.

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