Question
Download Solution PDFWhich is the correct hierarchical level of organisation in ecology?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFExplanation:
Levels of the Organization are natural systems in the environment that are arranged in a hierarchical order by part-whole relationships among various levels.
Organism - An individual living being that has the ability to act or function independently. Eg. Plant, Animal, etc.
Population - It is the group of organisms usually of the same species, occupying a defined area during a specific time. Eg. Shrubs, trees, etc.
Community - It is a group of populations of two or more species occupying the same geographic area at the same time. Eg, a forest community includes trees, animals, etc.
Ecosystem - It is a structural and functional unit of the biosphere consisting of a community of living beings and the physical environment, both interacting and exchanging materials between them.
Landscape - This is the spatially heterogeneous geographic area characterized by diverse interacting patches or ecosystems. Eg. Grasslands, lakes, etc.
Biome - It is a biogeographical unit consisting of a biological community that has formed in response to the physical environment in which they are found and a shared regional climate. Eg. Deserts, Tropical rainforests, etc.
Ecosphere - It is the planetary closed ecological system in which various forms of energy and matter interact on a continual basis. The Atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere are its major components.
Organism> Population> Community> Ecosystem> Landscape> Biome> Ecosphere.
Hence, option 2 is the correct answer.