Applied ecology

Article By:

Golley, Frank B. Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.

Last reviewed:September 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.212600

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• Applied ecology, published February 2019:Download PDF Get Adobe Acrobat Reader

The application of ecological principles to the solution of human problems and the maintenance of a high quality of life. Applied ecology is a branch of ecology that applies concepts of ecology to address contemporary problems involving natural resources and human welfare. In general, humans are an integral part of ecological systems. Moreover, humans depend upon healthy, well-operating, and productive systems for their continued well-being. For these reasons, applied ecology is based on a knowledge of ecosystems and populations, and the principles and techniques of ecology are used to interpret and solve specific environmental problems and to plan new management systems in the biosphere (see illustration). Although a variety of management fields, such as forestry, agriculture, wildlife management, environmental engineering, and environmental design, are concerned with specific parts of the environment, applied ecology is unique in taking a view of whole systems, as well as attempting to account for all inputs to and outputs from the systems—and all impacts. See also: Biosphere; Ecological methods; Ecological modeling; Ecology; Ecosystem; Human ecology; Systems ecology

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