WHAT IS ECOLOGY?

-Ernst Haeckel, a German zoologist, coined the term ‘ecology’ (oekologie), which he used to describe the
“relation of the animal both to its organic as well as its inorganic environment.” It is derived from the Greek
word oikos, which means “home”, “household”, or “place to live”. Ecology thus focuses on the organism and its
surroundings.

-Ecology is the study of the relationships between living organisms, including humans, and their physical
environment; it seeks to understand the vital connections between plants and animals and the world around
them. Ecology also provides information about the benefits of ecosystems and how we can use Earth’s
resources in ways that leave the environment healthy for future generations.

-An ecosystem is the structural and functional unit of ecology. It is a community of living organisms along with
the abiotic components interacting together through energy flows and nutrient cycles.Ecosystems, also known
as ecological systems, are formed through interactions between individuals, groups, and creatures and their
environments. It involves connections between individuals living in one population and those living in different
groups. Other living things and the physical environment are both included in the concept of environment.

TWO BRANCHES OF ECOLOGY:

Autecology- It is the study of ecology at the level of species. It is the study of the interactions of an individual
life form or a single species with the living and nonliving components of its environment.

Synecology- It is the study of ecology at the level of communities. It is a study of the development, distribution
and structure of ecological communities.

BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC FACTORS

-The main aim of ecology is to understand the distribution of biotic and abiotic factors of living things in the
environment. The biotic and abiotic factors include the living and non-living factors and their interaction with the
environment.

BIOTIC COMPONENTS
-Biotic components are living factors of an ecosystem. A few examples of biotic components include bacteria,
animals, birds, fungi, plants, etc.

ABIOTIC COMPONENTS
-Abiotic components are non-living chemical and physical factors of an ecosystem. These components could
be acquired from the atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere. A few examples of abiotic components include
sunlight, soil, air, moisture minerals and more.
Living organisms are grouped into biotic components, whereas non-living components like sunlight, water,
topography are listed under abiotic components.
TYPES OF ECOLOGY
-Ecology can be classified into different types.
1. GLOBAL ECOLOGY
-It deals with interactions among earth’s ecosystems, land, atmosphere and oceans. It helps to understand the
large-scale interactions and their influence on the planet.
2. LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY
-It deals with the exchange of energy, materials, organisms and other products of ecosystems. Landscape
ecology throws light on the role of human impacts on the landscape structures and functions.
3. ECOSYSTEM ECOLOGY
-It deals with the entire ecosystem, including the study of living and non-living components and their
relationship with the environment. This science researches how ecosystems work, their interactions, etc.
4. COMMUNITY ECOLOGY
-It deals with how community structure is modified by interactions among living organisms. Ecology community
is made up of two or more populations of different species living in a particular geographic area.

5. POPULATION ECOLOGY
-It deals with factors that alter and impact the genetic composition and the size of the population of organisms.
Ecologists are interested in fluctuations in the size of a population, the growth of a population and any other
interactions with the population.
In biology, a population can be defined as a set of individuals of the same species living in a given place at a
given time. Births and immigration are the main factors that increase the population and death and emigration
are the main factors that decrease the population.
6. ORGANISMAL ECOLOGY
Organismal ecology is the study of an individual organism’s behaviour, morphology, physiology, etc. in
response to environmental challenges. It looks at how individual organisms interact with biotic and abiotic
components. Ecologists research how organisms are adapted to these non-living and living components of
their surroundings.
Individual species are related to various adaptations like physiological adaptation, morphological adaptation,
and behavioural adaptation.
7. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY
The study of ecology focuses on the production of proteins and how these proteins affect the organisms and
their environment. This happens at the molecular level.
DNA forms the proteins that interact with each other and the environment. These interactions give rise to some
complex organisms.

WHAT ARE THE 5 LEVELS OF ECOLOGY?

Organism → Population → Community → Ecosystem → Biosphere
There are five Levels of Organization, and all levels are listed according to their size in increasing order – from
small to large.

1. Organism
It is the lowest level of organization, which includes both unicellular and multicellular organisms. All the living
species in this level exhibit all the characteristics required for the existence of life.

2. Population
A population is a group of individuals of a single species living together within a particular geographic area.
They interbreed and compete with each other for resources.
3. Community
It refers to the several populations that interact and inhabit a common environment and are interdependent.
4. Ecosystem
It is a set of all living species and abiotic components existing and interacting in a given area. There is an
interaction with both living and nonliving components of the environment.
5. Biosphere
It is the highest level of organization. It is the global ecological system which consists of all the living
organisms and other factors which support life. The biosphere mainly refers to the part of the earth’s crust.

EXAMPLES OF ECOLOGY
1. HUMAN ECOLOGY
-It focuses on the relationship between humans and the environment. It emphasizes the impact human beings
have on the environment and gives knowledge on how we can improve ourselves for the betterment of humans
and the environment.
2. NICHE CONSTRUCTION
-It deals with the study of how organisms alter the environment for the benefit of themselves and other living
beings. For eg, termites create a 6 feet tall mound and at the same time feed and protect their entire
population.

IMPORTANCE OF ECOLOGY
1. CONSERVATION OF ENVIRONMENT
-Ecology helps us to understand how our actions affect the environment. It shows the individuals the extent of
damage we cause to the environment.
Lack of understanding of ecology has led to the degradation of land and the environment. It has also led to the
extinction and endangerment of certain species. For eg., dinosaurs, white shark, mammoths, etc. Thus, the
study of the environment and organisms helps us to protect them from any damage and danger.
2. RESOURCE ALLOCATION
-With the knowledge of ecology, we are able to know which resources are necessary for the survival of
different organisms. Lack of ecological knowledge has led to scarcity and deprivation of these resources,
leading to competition.
3. ENERGY CONSERVATION
-All organisms require energy for their growth and development. Lack of ecological understanding leads to the
over-exploitation of energy resources such as light, nutrition and radiation, leading to its depletion.
Proper knowledge of ecological requirements prevents the unnecessary wastage of energy resources, thereby,
conserving energy for future purposes.
4. ECO-FRIENDLINESS
-Ecology encourages harmonious living within the species and the adoption of a lifestyle that protects the
ecology of life.

B.MALNUTRITION

Malnutrition refers to deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients or impaired
nutrient utilization.

The American Academy of Pediatrics defines malnutrition as “a state in which a deficiency (or excess) of
energy, protein, and other nutrition causes measurable adverse effects on the body and on growth in children.”

What are the 4 Types of Malnutrition?

Food nutrition involves macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and
minerals).
Both components need to achieve a balance in order to maintain a healthy wellbeing. Sadly, malnutrition,
especially in children, indicates an imbalance of macronutrients and micronutrients.

4 types of malnutrition:
1.Macronutrient Undernutrition
Deficiency of macronutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats
2.Micronutrient Undernutrition
Deficiency of micronutrients, namely vitamins and minerals. This also includes being mildly deficient in certain
vitamins and minerals due to a lack of variety in the diet
3.Macronutrient Overnutrition
Excess in protein, carbohydrate, and/or fat calorie intake
4.Micronutrient Overnutrition
Overdosing on vitamin and mineral supplements, which can have toxic effects when taken in large quantities

FORMS OF MALNUTRITION
1. Overnutrition (Overweight and obesity)
2. Undernutrition ( Stunting, Wasting and underweught)

1.Overnutrition
The World Health Organization has recently added recognized overnutrition to refer to the excessive intake of
nutrients, and how detrimental it can be to children.
The condition can lead to a variety of health issues, such as:
1. Obesity
2. Heart disease
3. Type 2 diabetes

2.Undernutrition
When talking about malnutrition, people usually associate it with undernutrition, or a deficiency of nutrients.
This happens if one doesn’t follow an adequate diet, meaning that a person can be both undernourished and
overweight at the same time.
Undernutrition manifests in four broad forms:
1.Wasting
2.Stunting
3.Underweight
4.Micronutrient deficiencies.

1.Wasting - is defined as low weight-for-height. It often indicates recent and severe weight loss, although it can
also persist for a long time. It usually occurs when a person has not had food of adequate quality and quantity
and/or they have had frequent or prolonged illnesses.
2.Stunting- is defined as low height-for-age. It is the result of chronic or recurrent undernutrition, usually
associated with poverty, poor maternal health and nutrition, frequent illness and/or inappropriate feeding and
care in early life.
3.Underweight - is defined as low weight-for-age. A child who is underweight may be stunted, wasted or both.
4.Micronutrient deficiencies - are a lack of vitamins and minerals that are essential for body functions such as
producing enzymes, hormones and other substances needed for growth and development.

Malnutrition in the Philippines

Undernutrition is one of the main problems in the Philippines where stunted growth is quite common in
children, specifically for those who are experiencing poor living conditions.

There are various causes of malnutrition in children in the Philippines:

 Poverty and Food Scarcity
Families living in poverty may struggle to afford an adequate and nutritious diet for their children, leading to
malnutrition.
 Inadequate Diet
In line with the above mentioned cause, malnourishment occurs when poor families make do with what
affordable or free food they can find.
 Infections and Illnesses
Frequent infections, such as gastrointestinal infections or respiratory illnesses, can affect a child’s appetite,
nutrient absorption, and overall nutritional status.
 Lack of Access to Healthcare
The lack of access to healthcare services can significantly hinder the management of malnutrition in children.
 Other Environmental Factors
Certain environmental factors, such as unsafe water and sanitation, can contribute to the risk of malnutrition in
children.

Government Programs to Minimize Poverty

Nutrition Assistance Programs: Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
provide food assistance to low-income families, improving access to nutritious foods.
Healthcare Support: Providing universal access to essential nutrition interventions and healthcare services.
Policy Action: Implementing policies to create sustainable food systems, improve nutrition governance, and
ensure social protection for vulnerable populations.
Global Initiatives: Collaborative efforts like the United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition focus on
addressing malnutrition through sustainable development goals and global nutrition targets.

These programs and policies are crucial in combating malnutrition and poverty, aiming to improve health
outcomes, reduce disparities, and enhance overall well-being for individuals and communities.

How to Prevent Malnutrition in Children

Preventing malnutrition in children requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. Some of the practical
ways involve the following initiatives:
 Adequate and Nutritious Diet
Ensure children have access to a diverse and balanced diet. Provide nutrient-rich foods that would strengthen
the children’s health by meeting their nutritional needs.
 Nutrition Education
It’s important to educate everyone about proper nutrition, optimal feeding practices, and the importance of a
balanced diet.
 Access to Quality Healthcare
Finally, access to quality healthcare services is critical. Healthcare providers can also provide guidance on
appropriate feeding practices, nutrition counseling, and early detection of malnutrition in children.

Characteristics Of Malnutrition
1. Individual causes
Malnutrition can arise when a person does not consume enough nutrients in their meals, or when they can not
absorb them. The causes can be:

Anorexia nervosa: Anorexia is an eating disorder.

Bulimia: Provoked vomiting prevents the body from absorbing the necessary nutrients.
Dysphagia: It is the difficulty to swallow.
Depression and other mental illnesses: Depression can cause a significant decrease in appetite.
Cancer and other chronic infections: Chronic diseases and the medication used to treat them can cause loss of
appetite and difficulty in digesting. Since the elderly are the most frequently suffer from chronic diseases, they
are a risk group.
Addictions: The abuse of alcohol or drugs can lead to skipping meals for the same effects of the addictive
substance or lack of economic resources.
Gastrointestinal diseases: These prevent the correct absorption or assimilation of one or several nutrients.
Vomiting: Even if a person consumes enough nutrients, if he suffers from vomiting due to other pathologies,
the body does not absorb nutrients from the food. The diseases that can cause vomiting are dengue, typhoid
fever, flu and others.
Diarrhea: Acute diarrhea, which lasts a few days, can not cause malnutrition. Conversely, chronic diarrhea,
which lasts more than four weeks, causes the loss of minerals essential for survival: chloride, potassium and
sodium.
Diabetes mellitus type 1 or type 2: They impede the normal absorption of glucose.
Parasitosis: The parasite consumes most of the nutrients in the food.

2. Social causes
Malnutrition may not be caused by factors that affect a single person, but factors that affect an entire
population. For example:

Famine: It happens when in a wide geographic zone there are not enough foods to distribute in the population.
Poverty: Even in areas where there are sufficient food resources, certain groups or individuals may not have
the economic resources to access them.
3. Symptoms
Adults:
-Considerable weight loss
-Decrease in body mass (body mass index below 17)
-Muscular weakness
-Generalized fatigue
-Greater vulnerability to contagious diseases
-Increased irritability
Children:
-Delay in growth (weight and height)
-Irritability
Babies:
-They alternate periods of crying and inactivity
-Learning problems
-Scattered attention
-Dryness and peeling of the skin
-Bloated belly
4. Child malnutrition
In children, malnutrition has more serious effects than in adults, since it can affect the organism permanently,
preventing the proper development of the body and the intellect. Chronic malnutrition in children causes mental
retardation.

Two diseases are caused in children exclusively by malnutrition:

Marasmus: Disease caused in newborns when their diet is insufficient in their energy content.
Kwashiorkor: Disease that appears after 18 months of age, produced by an insufficient diet mainly in proteins.

5. Degrees of malnutrition
Grade 1: Body weight between 76 and 90% of the expected for the child’s age and height. The speed of
growth and psychomotor development is normal or its delay is slight.
Grade 2: Body weight between 61 and 75% of that expected for age. The speed of growth and psychomotor
development are moderately or severely retarded.
Grade 3: Body weight less than 60% of what was expected for age. The speed of growth and psychomotor
development stop. Imminent danger of death.

6. Types of malnutrition
Primary: It is due to insufficient food intake, or the lack of a specific type of food (for example protein, in the
cases of kwashiorkor)
Secondary: Despite a correct and sufficient food intake, the body can not absorb or metabolize them. It is due
to pathologies such as chronic diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, gluten intolerance, Crohn’s disease, among others.

7. Consequences
Depending on the person and the degree of malnutrition, the consequences of it may vary. Among them are:

-Weight loss and muscle mass

-Exhaustion
-Gastrointestinal disorders
-Digestion is less effective
-The internal muscles, organs and their functions are affected. The first affected organs are the liver, the
pancreas and the kidneys.
In severe cases, the respiratory, nervous and immune systems are affected.
In cases of child malnutrition, physical and mental development may be delayed.

8. Prevention
Diagnose and treat the pathologies that can cause malnutrition.
Maintain a balanced nutrition that includes a sufficient variety of nutrients.
Monitor the feeding of children and the elderly, controlling the amount and variety of nutrients.
Periodic medical check-ups, especially children, the elderly and pregnant women.
Give breast milk to children at least during the first year of life.

9. Treatment
When it comes to grade 1 malnutrition, the treatment is ambulatory and only requires constant medical
attention
At the beginning liquid meals to facilitate digestion in a gastrointestinal system probably damaged by
malnutrition.

Foods with a high content of carbohydrates, proteins and oligoelements. When the body is more strengthened,
administer dietary and vitamin supplements. Application of moisturizers for external use.