History of 20th Century Ecology: Scientists and Discoveries

Ecology, as a scientific discipline, has evolved significantly over the years. It encompasses the study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment, and has become an essential component in understanding the natural world. The field of ecology owes its origins to several famous scientists who laid the foundation for this field of study. In this essay, we will explore the lives and contributions of some of the most significant scientists who started ecology.

Vladimir Ivanovich Vernadsky was a well-known Russian polymath who developed holistic approaches to nature analysis. His assumption about the Biosphere as a planetary and cosmic phenomenon was described in his book 'The Biosphere,' published in 1926. He then presented another idea, the noosphere, a theoretical foundation for Earth System Science. This is a new evolutionary stage in the development of the biosphere, according to Vernadsky, in which human-nature interaction will be consciously balanced.

Vernadsky argued that the earth's development follows a definite pattern. The geosphere (inanimate materials) is first, followed by the biosphere (living things). The 'noosphere,' which consists of human mind and mental activity, comes next. He believed that each of them has a connection with one another, with biological life modifying the geosphere and human awareness transforming life. Both biological life and human understanding are thought to have a significant influence on the earth's evolution. He also talked about Geochemistry, which is the study of minerals using chemistry methods and?Biogeochemistry, that studies both living and nonliving processes.

Arthur Tansley, an English botanist with a passion for plants who subsequently envisioned of mapping all varieties of vegetation, was another well-known scientist in this century. He served as the founding editor of the 'Journal of Ecology' and established the first professional society of ecologists in 1913. Tansley is most known for coining the term ecosystem, which refers to the study of the dynamic interaction of living and nonliving things in a given area. His ideas cleared the path for ecologists to recognize that many non-living environmental elements have a significant impact on creatures and communities.

Moreover, he also carried out vital research that demonstrated that plant species are capable of flourishing in a wider range of environmental circumstances than they do in nature. His research revealed that competition is the most important element in limiting species to a small range of habitat conditions. Thus, his work had an impact on the evolution of the ecological notion of niche. Later in life, he devoted his retirement extending his environmental cause – nature conservancy.

Moving on to Howard and Eugene Odum, the brothers who were pivotal figures in the establishment of ecosystem ecology in the post-World War II. Tansley's idea was used to simulate the processes at work in each ecosystem, and ecology was a rich quantitative study at the time. The two were also reported to have written 'Fundamentals of Ecology,' the first ecology textbook using holistic ecosystem approaches.

In animal ecology, Charles Elton, a pioneer who helped to start the field, earned him the title of 'Father of Animal Ecology.' Elton was credited with his concept of 'food chain,' 'food web,' and 'ecological niche.' He also wrote one of the first textbooks on animal ecology in 1927, and it has had a significant influence on the area. However, his book 'Fifty Years Invasion of Ecology,' released in 1958, is the most well-known because it deals with the development of current invasion biology. They both devised and implemented a British national policy on conservation - a public advocacy on nature — with Tansley.

Barry Commoner was a scientist from the United States who is regarded as one of the founders of the modern environmental movement. He's also recognized for his four 'rules of ecology,' which he outlined in 'The Closing Circle's opening chapter,' a book he wrote in 1971. They are:

1. Everything is interconnected;
2. Everything needs to go somewhere;
3. Nature knows best;
4. There is no such thing as a free lunch.

To conclude, several of these contributors' studies have remained relevant to this day. Modern ecologists build on the data gathered by their forefathers and continue to disseminate information about the world's ecosystems. The data they collect continues to have an impact on our planet's future.