Ecology learning hub
Explore how organisms interact with one another and with air, water, soil and climate. This learning hub brings together clear, science-based guides on ecosystems, biodiversity, ecological relationships, habitats, environmental processes and conservation.
Start with the foundations of ecology
New to ecology? Begin with these core concepts. They explain what ecosystems contain, how their components interact and why ecological systems matter to people and the planet.
What Is an Ecosystem?
Understand biotic and abiotic components, ecological interactions and the basic organization of an ecosystem.
Types of Ecosystems
Compare forest, grassland, desert, tundra, freshwater and marine ecosystems with clear examples.
Seven Essential Ecosystem Concepts
Review biodiversity, ecosystem services, habitat fragmentation, ecological balance and conservation.
Explore ecosystems and habitats
Ecosystems differ in climate, water availability, vegetation, productivity and species composition. Use these guides to explore important terrestrial and aquatic environments.
The Amazon Rainforest
Learn how the Amazon supports biodiversity, stores carbon, influences rainfall and contributes to climate regulation.
Marshy Tundra Ecosystems
Examine permafrost, waterlogged soils, tundra vegetation and the adaptations required for life in extreme cold.
Threatened Ecosystems
Explore the ecological importance and major pressures affecting rainforests, wetlands, coral reefs and polar systems.
Coral Reefs Under Pressure
Discover why coral reefs support high biodiversity and how warming, pollution and habitat disturbance threaten them.
Understanding Ecosystem Services
Learn how ecosystems provide food, clean water, climate regulation, nutrient cycling and cultural benefits.
Habitat Fragmentation
See how roads, cities, agriculture and other land-use changes divide habitats and affect ecological connectivity.
Understand ecological relationships
Organisms live in connected communities. Competition, predation, mutualism, commensalism and parasitism influence population structure, resource use and ecosystem stability.
Biological Associations
An introduction to interactions among organisms and their ecological consequences.
Mutualism, Commensalism and Parasitism
Compare the major forms of symbiosis using clear definitions and biological examples.
What Is Biocoenosis?
Understand the biological community occupying a habitat and the interactions that connect its populations.
Aquatic and microbial ecology
Water bodies and microorganisms are central to nutrient cycling, food webs, decomposition, primary production and pollution control.
Roles of Microorganisms in Ecosystems
Learn how microorganisms decompose matter, recycle nutrients, support plants and influence atmospheric processes.
Water Pollution and Biodiversity
Examine how contaminants, oxygen depletion and habitat degradation affect aquatic organisms and communities.
Aquatic Ecology MCQs
Test your understanding of aquatic ecosystems, productivity, biodiversity and environmental factors.
Microbial and Molecular Ecology MCQs
Review microbial interactions, molecular methods, nutrient cycling and ecological applications.
Ecotoxicology MCQs
Study contaminant behavior, toxicity testing, bioaccumulation and ecological risk through focused questions.
Nutrient Pollution
Understand how excess nitrogen and phosphorus affect water quality, algal growth and aquatic ecosystems.
Measure and interpret biodiversity
Biodiversity includes the variety of species as well as differences in their relative abundance. Use the calculator and supporting guides to understand common ecological measures.
Biodiversity Index Calculator
Enter species-abundance data manually or upload a CSV file. Calculate Shannon diversity, Simpson measures, species richness, Hill numbers, Pielou evenness, Margalef richness and Menhinick richness for one or multiple ecological communities.
- Compare multiple sites
- View rank-abundance patterns
- Download calculated results
- Review formulas and interpretation
- Follow a worked example
Continue with biodiversity and conservation
Ecology provides the scientific foundation for understanding biodiversity loss, conservation priorities and environmental change.
Biodiversity Hotspots
Understand why regions with exceptional endemic diversity and extensive habitat loss receive conservation priority.
Understanding Beta Diversity
Learn how ecologists describe changes in species composition among habitats, sites and environmental gradients.
Flora and Fauna
Review the meaning, ecological importance and common examples of plant and animal life in a region.
A suggested learning path for students
Follow these stages if you are studying environmental science for a course, university examination or entrance test.
Learn the terminology
Use the A–Z Environmental Dictionary to review unfamiliar terms.
Study ecosystem concepts
Read the foundational guides on ecosystem structure, services, habitats and ecological relationships.
Apply ecological measures
Use the Biodiversity Index Calculator with sample abundance data.
Test your understanding
Complete the aquatic, microbial, ecotoxicology and general environmental science MCQ collections.
Useful academic resources
Use these resources to revise terminology, practice questions and strengthen your understanding of environmental science.
