Question

Eugene P Odum is a
A. Bryologist
B. Ecologist
C. Gerontologist
D. Neurologist

Answer 1

Odum was the first scientist who brought forward a specific discipline of biology as a separate discipline. His first textbook was published in 1953, which remained the only book in that particular field.

Complete Answer:
- In this specific question, we need to understand that ecology is the study of the interdependence of organisms with abiotic as well as biotic environments. Organisms and their surrounding are interconnected.
- In the 1940s, ecology was not considered even an area of study that could be an independent discipline. An even eminent biologist like Odum was initially thought to be less knowledgeable about the interdependence of ecosystems with each other.
- Odum was the one who put forward the significance of ecology as a separate field that should be a basic dimension for the work of a biologist. He later defined the term "ecosystem".
- Even though it is still sometimes considered to be coined by Lindeman in 1942, this term "ecosystem" first became visible in 1935 by the ecologist, Arthur Tansley. Initially, before Odum’s work, the ecology of various species and their surroundings had been considered in a very limited way within separate sub-disciplines of biology.
- Some scientists were not even sure that it could be considered on a larger level, or as an individual field of biology in itself. Odum published a book on ecology in collaboration with his brother, Howard Odum in 1953.
- Interestingly, the Odum brothers' textbook, Fundamentals of Ecology, was the only book in the ecology discipline for almost ten years. It is important to know that other than this, Odum studied how these ecosystems are interacting with each other and maintaining the ecological balance. Therefore, he is regarded as the father of ecology.

Hence, the correct option is B.

Note: Although Odum was the first who brought this discipline forward through his textbooks, still this term was sometimes said to be coined by Arthur Tansley. Irrespective of this, Odum is regarded as the father of ecology for his work.