Question

Who proposed the term ecosystem?
A) Odum
B) Gardner
C) Warming
D) Tansley

Answer 1

Ecosystem can be defined as a community of life forms in which both non-living and living components interact with each other.

Complete answer:
The ecosystem is a functional and structural unit of ecology and it is where the living components interact with the non living components. There are two types of ecosystems,
Terrestrial - It comprises of land based ecosystem and includes, grassland, forest, desert and tundra ecosystems
Aquatic - It comprises of water based ecosystem and includes marine and freshwater ecosystems

Option A: Eugene Odum was an American biologist who had done significant work in the field of ecology, but he did not coin the term ecology. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option B: Howard Gardner was a psychologist and had no role in the field of ecology. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option C: There is no scientist named warming, therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option D: A.G. Tansley proposed the term “Ecosystem” in 1935. It is derived from a greek word ‘oikos’ which means home. Therefore, this is the correct option.

Thus, the correct option is (D) Tansley.

Note: The functions of ecosystem are,

It helps in maintaining balance between the various trophic levels of an ecosystem.
It also helps in cycling of nutrients between the abiotic and biotic components.
It helps in regulating various essential ecological processes which support life systems.
The abiotic components of the ecosystem help in production of organic components which are further involved in energy exchange.