The study of 'Environment and Ecology' is a crucial part of the IAS examination. This article aims to provide clarity on key terms like 'Habitat' and 'Niche', and delve into the intricacies of an ecosystem.
A clear understanding of the 'Habitat' and 'Niche' is vital for the aspirants. The term 'Habitat' refers to the natural home or environment of an organism, whereas 'Niche' is the role and position a species has in its environment. For instance, a forest might be a habitat for a tiger, and its niche could be as a top predator.
The structure of an ecosystem is another significant area of study. An ecosystem consists of all the living organisms in a particular area, along with all the non-living, physical components of the environment with which these organisms interact, such as air, soil, water, and sunlight. For example, a pond is an ecosystem that includes aquatic plants, animals, water, and the microorganisms living in it.
Understanding the various components of an ecosystem, their characteristics, and how they interact with each other forms the foundation for further in-depth study into this subject. Over the years, the importance of 'Environment and Ecology' in the IAS examination has increased manifold, as revealed by an analysis of previous years' question papers.
