Wednesday, November 12, 2008
SYBA Ecology
MEANING OF ECOLOGY
Introduction
‘Environmental Biology,’ which is very widely branded, as ‘Ecology’ is a fascinating and one of the fastest and youngest emerging branches of Biology. Since the antiquity, man is involved in finding out the hidden answers of his ecological world. In the olden days he had to know his immediate surroundings as his survival was dependent on this. His priorities then were to detect the actions of the nature, and plants and animals around him. Man has passed many stages since then. Today, ecological knowledge is crucial in taking conservation and preservation measures and in trying to reinstate the planet Earth after the ravages of environmental degradation. At the turn of 20th century, Environment and Ecology have attracted the attention of all the countries of the planet Earth irrespective of being developed or developing, poor or rich due to sensitive link between man – environment, survival and well-being of humankind. The remarkable United Nation’s Convention on “Human Environment” held at Stockholm in 1972 brought to daylight the human impact on environment. Through 1970’s to early 1980’s environmental and ecological disasters were consider as regional concerns. Similarly it is becoming integral component of education in Indian and foreign universities.Meaning of EcologyThe term ‘Ecology’ in its wider sense means scientific investigation of flora, fauna, or population in relation to one another. Ecology is the integrated studies of the complex inter relationships that exist among all different kinds of organisms as well as between themselves and their environment. Moreover, it is the study of all sorts of systems originated out of such inter-relationships between organisms and their surroundings. Therefore Ecology enabled humankind to have novel insight into certain intricacies of the phenomenon of life. Normal biological concepts of life are based on intra individual complexities.Environmental studies prove that no living individual is an ideal or an independent form of life. Instead, the lives of all organisms depend on certain unique interrelationships, interactions and exchanges among the living and non-living. Ecology reveals that the boundary between the living and the non-living is quite thin as the exchanges between both are continuous and intensive (J.G.Ray 1999).Etymology of EcologyA German Zoologist Ernst Haeckel coined the term “Ecology” in 1869 by blending two Greek lexis ‘Oikos’ and ‘Logos’ ‘Oikos’ denotes ‘household, or abode, or dwelling, or place to live, or habitation’ and ‘Logos’ means ‘study or science or discourse’. Thus etymologically or terminologically, Ecology deals with organisms and the place where they reside. Generally, Ecology is regarded as the logical and methodical study of the interactions of organisms with their physical environment and with each other’.Definitions of EcologyThe subject matter of Ecology is very complex and intricate. In the last one hundred years ecologists, environmentalists, naturalists, and thinkers have defined Ecology according to their perspective. As on now there is no single commonly established definition on Ecology. Hence to understand the basic concepts, approaches, and themes of ecology, it is essential to appreciate subsequent vital definitions:Ernst Haeckel, who is regarded as the Father of Ecology, defined Ecology in 1869 as ‘the domestic side of organic life’ and ‘the knowledge of the sum of the relations of organisms to the surrounding outer world to organic and inorganic conditions of existence’.In the opinion of Helena Curtis (1975) Ecology is “the scientific study of the interactions of organisms with their physical environment and with each other”. Frederick Clement the author of the book “Plant Succession: An Analysis of the Development of Vegetation” regarded Ecology as “the science of community” in 1916.J. L. Chapman and M. J. Reiss (1995) defined Ecology as the ‘study of organisms in relation to the surroundings in which they live. These surroundings are called the environment of the organism. This environment is made up of many difficult components, including other living organisms and their effects, and purely physical features such as the climate and soil type’.W. P. Taylor chose to describe Ecology as “the science of the relations of all organisms to all their environments” in his work entitled “Ecology” in 1936.According to Eugene P. Odum (1996) Ecology is ‘concerned especially with the biology of groups of organisms and with functional processes on the lands, in the oceans and in fresh waters’. Charles Elton-the well-known and renowned British ecologist in his innovative work labeled “Animal Ecology” defined Ecology as “the scientific natural history concerned with the sociology and economics of animals.”According to Peter Stiling (2002) ‘Ecology involves the study of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems’.A group consisting of scholars like Allee W. C., Emerson A. E., Park O., Park T., and Schmidt K. P., presented a fundamental definition on Ecology in their pristine work “Principles of Animal Ecology” Ecology as “the science of inter-relation between living organisms and their environment, including both the physical and biotic environments, and emphasizing inter-species as well as intra-species relations”.Krebs (1985) describes Ecology as ‘the scientific study of the interactions that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms’.Woodbury (1955) regarded Ecology as the science which investigates organisms in relation to their environment: a philosophy in which the world of life is interpreted in terms of natural processes.”M.E.Clark (1973) considers Ecology as “a study of ecosystems or the totality of the reciprocal interactions between living organisms and their physical surroundings.”The above definitions, though differ in phraseology, focus mostly on the interrelationship of organisms or in other words to the structure and function of nature. Hence you may take your pick as to which definition you favor.
Introduction
‘Environmental Biology,’ which is very widely branded, as ‘Ecology’ is a fascinating and one of the fastest and youngest emerging branches of Biology. Since the antiquity, man is involved in finding out the hidden answers of his ecological world. In the olden days he had to know his immediate surroundings as his survival was dependent on this. His priorities then were to detect the actions of the nature, and plants and animals around him. Man has passed many stages since then. Today, ecological knowledge is crucial in taking conservation and preservation measures and in trying to reinstate the planet Earth after the ravages of environmental degradation. At the turn of 20th century, Environment and Ecology have attracted the attention of all the countries of the planet Earth irrespective of being developed or developing, poor or rich due to sensitive link between man – environment, survival and well-being of humankind. The remarkable United Nation’s Convention on “Human Environment” held at Stockholm in 1972 brought to daylight the human impact on environment. Through 1970’s to early 1980’s environmental and ecological disasters were consider as regional concerns. Similarly it is becoming integral component of education in Indian and foreign universities.Meaning of EcologyThe term ‘Ecology’ in its wider sense means scientific investigation of flora, fauna, or population in relation to one another. Ecology is the integrated studies of the complex inter relationships that exist among all different kinds of organisms as well as between themselves and their environment. Moreover, it is the study of all sorts of systems originated out of such inter-relationships between organisms and their surroundings. Therefore Ecology enabled humankind to have novel insight into certain intricacies of the phenomenon of life. Normal biological concepts of life are based on intra individual complexities.Environmental studies prove that no living individual is an ideal or an independent form of life. Instead, the lives of all organisms depend on certain unique interrelationships, interactions and exchanges among the living and non-living. Ecology reveals that the boundary between the living and the non-living is quite thin as the exchanges between both are continuous and intensive (J.G.Ray 1999).Etymology of EcologyA German Zoologist Ernst Haeckel coined the term “Ecology” in 1869 by blending two Greek lexis ‘Oikos’ and ‘Logos’ ‘Oikos’ denotes ‘household, or abode, or dwelling, or place to live, or habitation’ and ‘Logos’ means ‘study or science or discourse’. Thus etymologically or terminologically, Ecology deals with organisms and the place where they reside. Generally, Ecology is regarded as the logical and methodical study of the interactions of organisms with their physical environment and with each other’.Definitions of EcologyThe subject matter of Ecology is very complex and intricate. In the last one hundred years ecologists, environmentalists, naturalists, and thinkers have defined Ecology according to their perspective. As on now there is no single commonly established definition on Ecology. Hence to understand the basic concepts, approaches, and themes of ecology, it is essential to appreciate subsequent vital definitions:Ernst Haeckel, who is regarded as the Father of Ecology, defined Ecology in 1869 as ‘the domestic side of organic life’ and ‘the knowledge of the sum of the relations of organisms to the surrounding outer world to organic and inorganic conditions of existence’.In the opinion of Helena Curtis (1975) Ecology is “the scientific study of the interactions of organisms with their physical environment and with each other”. Frederick Clement the author of the book “Plant Succession: An Analysis of the Development of Vegetation” regarded Ecology as “the science of community” in 1916.J. L. Chapman and M. J. Reiss (1995) defined Ecology as the ‘study of organisms in relation to the surroundings in which they live. These surroundings are called the environment of the organism. This environment is made up of many difficult components, including other living organisms and their effects, and purely physical features such as the climate and soil type’.W. P. Taylor chose to describe Ecology as “the science of the relations of all organisms to all their environments” in his work entitled “Ecology” in 1936.According to Eugene P. Odum (1996) Ecology is ‘concerned especially with the biology of groups of organisms and with functional processes on the lands, in the oceans and in fresh waters’. Charles Elton-the well-known and renowned British ecologist in his innovative work labeled “Animal Ecology” defined Ecology as “the scientific natural history concerned with the sociology and economics of animals.”According to Peter Stiling (2002) ‘Ecology involves the study of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems’.A group consisting of scholars like Allee W. C., Emerson A. E., Park O., Park T., and Schmidt K. P., presented a fundamental definition on Ecology in their pristine work “Principles of Animal Ecology” Ecology as “the science of inter-relation between living organisms and their environment, including both the physical and biotic environments, and emphasizing inter-species as well as intra-species relations”.Krebs (1985) describes Ecology as ‘the scientific study of the interactions that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms’.Woodbury (1955) regarded Ecology as the science which investigates organisms in relation to their environment: a philosophy in which the world of life is interpreted in terms of natural processes.”M.E.Clark (1973) considers Ecology as “a study of ecosystems or the totality of the reciprocal interactions between living organisms and their physical surroundings.”The above definitions, though differ in phraseology, focus mostly on the interrelationship of organisms or in other words to the structure and function of nature. Hence you may take your pick as to which definition you favor.
ISRO's Automatic Weather Station (AWS)
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has sponsored an indigenous Automatic Weather Station (AWS) to Dnyan Prabodhini Mandal’s Shree Mallikarjun College of Arts and Commerce, Delem-Canacona (SMC) for monitoring and observation of weather changes in and around Canacona taluka. Every Weather Station is given a number, and our station number is 430.
The Automatic Weather Station (AWS) located in the beautiful surroundings of SMC consists of 6 sensors (Thermometer, Anemometer, Wind vane , Hygrometer, Barometer Spectrometer) and a Rain Guage. The Weather Station automatically measures: Atmospheric Pressure, Air Temperature, Rainfall, Humidity, Wind Speed, Wind Direction and Solar Radiation. The sensors are mounted on a 3-m tower with Solar Panel and Global Positioning System (GPS).
The weather data recorded at SMC is transmitted every half an hour via INSAT-3A and KALPANA-1 satellites. ISRO plans to set up 1,000 automatic weather stations (AWS) across the country within the next six months as a part of its effort to collect region-specific data on weather and make need-based meteorological services available for civilian purposes.
According to ISRO, the processed information from AWSs will have huge potential for civilian use. Local farmers could be tipped-off about local climatic conditions and availability of ground water among other factors. Information about the direction of wind and its speed will help the health department to take efficient preventive measures if an air-borne disease breaks out in an area. The data would also help enhance accuracy in meteorological predictions. Besides, region-specific weather reports could be released for various purposes.
Dr F M Nadaf, Lecturer in Geography is the in-charge of this Weather Station. Teachers, Students and any interested person from in and around Canacona taluka can take benefit by visiting the Weather Station on any working day.
The Automatic Weather Station (AWS) located in the beautiful surroundings of SMC consists of 6 sensors (Thermometer, Anemometer, Wind vane , Hygrometer, Barometer Spectrometer) and a Rain Guage. The Weather Station automatically measures: Atmospheric Pressure, Air Temperature, Rainfall, Humidity, Wind Speed, Wind Direction and Solar Radiation. The sensors are mounted on a 3-m tower with Solar Panel and Global Positioning System (GPS).
The weather data recorded at SMC is transmitted every half an hour via INSAT-3A and KALPANA-1 satellites. ISRO plans to set up 1,000 automatic weather stations (AWS) across the country within the next six months as a part of its effort to collect region-specific data on weather and make need-based meteorological services available for civilian purposes.
According to ISRO, the processed information from AWSs will have huge potential for civilian use. Local farmers could be tipped-off about local climatic conditions and availability of ground water among other factors. Information about the direction of wind and its speed will help the health department to take efficient preventive measures if an air-borne disease breaks out in an area. The data would also help enhance accuracy in meteorological predictions. Besides, region-specific weather reports could be released for various purposes.
Dr F M Nadaf, Lecturer in Geography is the in-charge of this Weather Station. Teachers, Students and any interested person from in and around Canacona taluka can take benefit by visiting the Weather Station on any working day.
UGC Pay Scales
About 4,88,003 teachers from 18,064 colleges and 417 universities across India were eagerly waiting for more than two and a half years for revision of their pay scales (last revision was in 1996). But the dreams of teaching community were shattered on 3rd October 2008 when Prof. G K Chadha submitted his report of Revision of Pay Scales to University Grants Commission (UGC) as it has done more harm and injustice to the teachers.Rastogi Commission in 1996 divided all the teachers in to five categories with following pay scales:Lecturer 8000-275-13800Lecturer Sr. Scale 10000-325-15200Lecturer Selection Grade 12000-420-18300Reader/Principal 12000-420-18300Professor (for Universities) 16400-450-20900-500-22400Chadha Commission has changed the nomenclature of above categories of teachers. Under the new system:A Lecturer will be known as an Assistant Professor A Lecturer Sr. Scale will be known as an Assistant Professor (Senior) A Lecturer Selection Grade will be known as an Assistant Professor (Selection Grade) A Reader will be known as an Associate Professor Chadha Commission has proposed one new post at College Level (Senior Associate Professor) and two at University Level (Senior Professor and Professor of Eminence). This is s welcome decision apart from Academic and Traveling Allowance.The major problem of this Pay Commission is all the teachers are brought under single Pay Band i.e. 15600 -39100 with little variation in Grade Pay. Just see the fun – A new entrant i.e. Assistant Professor will be appointed in the pay band of 15600 -39100. Teachers who have put in about 11 years of service will also be placed in the Pay Band. After 4/6 years an Assistant Professor will be promoted as Assistant Professor (Senior) in the same pay band (15600 -39100). After another 5 years Assistant Professor (Senior) will be promoted as Assistant Professor (Selection Grade) again in the same pay band(15600 -39100). Under the present system Lecturer Selection Grade/Reader and Principals draw the same basic pay i.e. 12000-420-18300. Under the new system, Chada Commission has recommended 15600-39100 pay band for Lecturer Selection Grade/Reader whereas Principals are upgraded to 37400-67000 Pay Band. We are very happy that Principal’s are getting higher Pay Band; it would have been very nice if Lecturer Selection Grade/Readers are also given this honor. One of the important terms of reference of Chada Commission was to make strong recommendations on the ways and means of attracting and retaining talented persons in the teaching profession, as well as for the furtherance of research in the University System and also for their career advancement in teaching and equivalent positions in order to improve the quality of higher education. But the commission has not done enough in this regard.UGC after evaluation of the Chada Commission Report and will submit to the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. All the teachers hope that a better sense will prevail at HRD and UGC level justice is done to the teachers.
About Dr F M Nadaf
Dr F M Nadaf is working as Sr Lecturer in Geography, Ecology and Environment at DPM's Shree Mallkarjun College of Arts and Commerce, Canacona - Goa.
In the last one and a half decade he has sholudered various responsibilities . Some of the important responsibilties to mention are:
NSS Programme Officer (1993-98).
Member - Local Managing Committee of DPM’s Shree Mallikarjun College of Arts & Commerce, Canacona.
Guest Faculty for Post Graduate Classes (MA in Geography) at S P Chowgule College, Margao
Member-Academic Council of Goa University 2004-2006 representing Ward No-3 comprising of Canacona, Quepem, Sanguem, and Ponda talukas.
Member – Sub-Committee of Academic Council of Goa University to review the existing Self Appraisal Form of the College Teachers.
Secretary, JCI, Margao Chapter 2005
Treasurer, Geographer's Association, Goa (GAG).
Vice President, Geographer's Association, Goa (GAG).
Resource Person/Subject Expert for various organizations like Navodaya Leadership Institute.
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