Ecological Footprint – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Ecological Terms Glossary

What is an Ecological Footprint? An Ecological Footprint is a measure of the impact that an individual, community, or country has on the environment. It represents the amount of biologically productive land and water required to sustain the resources consumed and the waste generated by that entity. In essence, it quantifies the ecological resources necessary … Read more

Primary Producer – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Ecological Terms Glossary

What is a primary producer? A primary producer, also known as an autotroph, is an organism that produces its own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. These organisms are the foundation of the food chain, as they are able to convert sunlight or inorganic compounds into energy that can be used by other organisms. Primary producers … Read more

Phylogenetic Diversity – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Ecological Terms Glossary

I. What is Phylogenetic Diversity? Phylogenetic diversity refers to the evolutionary relationships among organisms within a given ecosystem. It is a measure of the variety of evolutionary lineages present in a particular community or habitat. This concept takes into account not only the number of species present but also their relatedness to one another. In … Read more

Wildlife Corridor – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Ecological Terms Glossary

What is a Wildlife Corridor? A wildlife corridor is a strip of land that connects fragmented habitats, allowing wildlife to move freely between different areas. These corridors can be natural or man-made and serve as vital pathways for animals to migrate, feed, breed, and seek shelter. They are essential for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the … Read more

Agroforestry – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Ecological Terms Glossary

I. What is Agroforestry? Agroforestry is a land management system that integrates trees and shrubs with crops and/or livestock on the same piece of land. It is a sustainable agricultural practice that combines the benefits of agriculture and forestry to create a more diverse, productive, and resilient ecosystem. Agroforestry systems can vary widely in scale … Read more

Habitat Fragmentation – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Ecological Terms Glossary

What is Habitat Fragmentation? Habitat fragmentation is a process in which large, continuous habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches. This fragmentation can occur due to natural events such as wildfires, floods, or volcanic eruptions, but it is primarily caused by human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, logging, and infrastructure development. As a result of … Read more

Reforestation – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Ecological Terms Glossary

What is Reforestation? Reforestation is the process of restoring and replanting forests that have been depleted or destroyed. It involves planting trees in areas where forests have been cut down or damaged due to natural disasters, logging, urbanization, or other human activities. Reforestation aims to recreate a healthy and sustainable forest ecosystem by reintroducing native … Read more

Pollination – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Ecological Terms Glossary

What is pollination? Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred from the male reproductive organs of a flower to the female reproductive organs, resulting in fertilization and the production of seeds. This crucial step in the reproductive cycle of plants ensures genetic diversity and the continuation of plant species. How does pollination occur? … Read more