Environmental science and ecology are closely related principles. However, they are far from being alike. This article provides information on the significant differences between these two important interdisciplinary fields.
Summary Table
| Ecology | Environmental Science |
| The scientific study of the interaction of organisms with each other and their relationship with other organisms and their ecosystem | The scientific study of the interaction between physical, chemical, and biological components within the environment |
| Aims to understand life process, adaptation, distribution, and biodiversity | Aims to identify the internal and external factors that affect the environment and the organisms living in it to look for solutions for environmental problems |
| Key issues include interaction between organisms, adaptation, changes in the ecosystem, and external factors that affect the population of specific organisms | Key issues include the effect of human populace in the ecosystem, the main impact of global warming at a larger scale, the effects of urban living in environmental change, and sustainability measures |
| Ecologists study group interactions including mating habits, migration, food preferences, and predatory patterns | Environmental scientists analyze earth processes, assess systems used for alternative energy, evaluate measures for mitigating air and water pollution, and manage existing natural resources |
Definitions
Ecology is the in-depth analysis of the interaction of organisms with their environment, along with their interaction with abiotic components (also known as the non-living physical or chemical elements) present within the environment. It is a field that integrates other sciences including geography, biology and Earth science. Aside from analyzing the different types of relationships that exist between organisms, ecology also focuses on diversity and distribution, along with the number of organisms present in the ecosystem.
Environmental science, on the other hand, merges ecology, geology, mineralogy, biology, zoology, soil science, and other sciences into the scientific study of the environment. A field geared towards finding solutions for problems within the environment, environmental science is the analysis of the interaction between chemical, biological, and physical elements present in the environment, and their impact on the ecosystem and the organisms living in it.
Ecology vs Environmental Science
So what’s the difference between ecology and environmental science? Even though they may seem similar in a number of ways, these two interdisciplinary fields have significant differences.
First, ecology is the scientific study of the interaction of organisms with each other, along with their relationship with other organisms and their ecosystem. Meanwhile, environmental science is the extensive scientific analysis of the environment. It focuses on the interaction between physical, chemical and biological components within the environment.
Ecology and environmental science also have different aims. Ecology seeks to understand life process, adaptation, and biodiversity. It analyzes factors that influence the prevalence and distribution of organisms and the relationship that exist between them.
Environmental science, on the other hand, is broader in scope as it aims to identify the internal and external factors that affect the environment and the organisms living in it. Additionally, this interdisciplinary field seeks probable solutions for environmental problems.
The key elements in the study of ecology not only include interaction and adaptation, but other important issues such as the changes in the ecosystem and the external factors that affect the population as well. For environmental science, the main issues include the effect of human populace in the ecosystem, the main impact of global warming at a larger scale, the effects of urban living in environmental change, and sustainability measures.
Difference in Education for Environmental Science and Ecology
If you’d like to study and become an environmental scientist or an ecologist, it’s necessary to first earn a bachelor’s degree in some field of science. Next, if you’d like to have a career in environmental science or ecology, many students earn their master’s degree in physics or geology.
An ecologist requires a strong scientific understanding. Studying subjects such as biology, zoology, forestry, or botany may improve your chances of becoming an ecologist.
To become an environmentalist, it’s necessary to have a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree in environmental science. A master’s in science may also be a requirement for some positions if you’d like to be an environmental scientist.
Differences in Approach
Another important difference between environmental science and ecology is the approach each uses. For instance, environmental science takes a broad approach to this science. It may rely on chemistry, social sciences, etc. This approach makes it possible to gain a better understanding of environmental problems. It also makes it easier to combine policy and science to solve these problems. The goal is to find sustainable solutions to any issues a scientist may find.
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that relies on several different scientific fields, including:
- Ecology
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Zoology
- Mineralogy
- Oceanography
- Geology
This field considers how each of these relates to the environment and to each other.
On the other hand, ecology uses detailed studies of ecological systems. It uses many methods to understand an ecosystem and the interactions within it. An ecologist may do fieldwork or experiments to study the dynamics of an ecosystem. The focus is on understanding nature.
Since these fields differ in purpose, environmental scientists and ecologists vary in job scope and limitations. While ecologists study group interactions include mating habits, migration, food preferences, and predatory patterns, environmental scientists analyze earth processes, assess systems used for alternative energy, evaluate measures for mitigating air and water pollution, and manage existing natural resources.
