Autecology

Autecology is an approach in ecology that seeks to explain the distribution and abundance of species by studying interactions of individual organisms with their environments. An autecological approach differs from ecosystem ecology, community ecology (synecology) and population ecology (demecology) by greater recognition of the species-specific adaptations of individual animals, plants or other organisms, and of environmental over density-dependent influences on species distributions. Autecological theory relates the species-specific requirements and environmental tolerances of individuals to the geographic distribution of the species, with individuals tracking suitable conditions, having the capacity for migration at least at one stage in their life cycles. Autecology has a strong grounding in evolutionary theory, including the theory of punctuated equilibrium and the recognition concept of species.

History

Autecology was pioneered by German field botanists in the late 19th century. During the 20th century, autecology continued to exist mainly as a descriptive science rather than one with supporting theory and the most notable proponents of an autecological approach, Herbert Andrewartha and Charles Birch, avoided the term autecology when referring to species-focused ecological investigation with emphasis on density-independent processes. Part of the problem with deriving a theoretical structure for autecology is that individual species are unique in their life history and behaviour, making it difficult to draw broad generalisations across them without losing the crucial information that is gained by studying biology at a species level. The most recent attempt at deriving a theoretical structure for autecology was published in 2014 by ecologists Gimme Walter and Rob Hengeveld. == Basic theory ==

Basic theory

Recognition concept Autecological theory is focused on species as the most important unit of biological organisation, as individuals across all populations of a particular species share species-specific adaptations that influence their ecology. By determining the requirements and tolerances of a particular species, it is possible to predict how individuals of that species will respond to specific environmental changes Population numbers may be reduced by introduction of new predation pressure, such as with poor fisheries management or introduction of a biological control agent to control an invasive species, such that net reproductive rate, R0, drops below replacement level. == Applications ==

Applications

Pest management Pests include animals or agents that cause economic damage to cultivated crops. Pest management refers to the techniques and methods applied to control or minimize the damage to the crops done by pests. Pest management may include chemical, mechanical, biological or integrated approach. To apply any type of effective management programme, it is of utmost importance to know in detail about the particular pest species. Special study of the ecology of the pest provide necessary clues to its management. Biological control Conservation autecology Knowledge of species-level interactions, tolerances and habitat requirements is valuable for conservation of an endangered plant or animal species by ensuring its particular ecological requirements are met. == Links to other fields ==

Links to other fields

With focus on individual organism, autecology has mechanistic links to several other biological fields, including ethology, evolution, genetics and physiology == References ==

Source: Wikipedia ↗

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