BharatNotes Ecosystem
nounUsage in a UPSC answer
A truly sustainable development model treats the forest not as a stock of timber to be liquidated but as a living ecosystem whose hydrological, climatic and livelihood services underpin the well-being of millions downstream.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
ecology (n), ecological (adj), ecologist (n), ecosystem (n), ecosystems (n pl)
Root
Coined/Modern (1935, A.G. Tansley): Greek oikos = house, habitat (eco-) + systēma = organised whole
Etymology
Coined in 1935 by British plant ecologist A.G. Tansley, from eco- (from Greek oikos, house or habitat) + system (from Greek systēma, organised whole).
Memory Hook
ECO (from Greek oikos, "house") + SYSTEM: think of an ecosystem as nature's "household system" where every member, from microbe to predator, keeps the home running together.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Prelims 2021 — Ecology
- Prelims 2019 — Ecology
- Prelims 2018 — Ecology
- Prelims 2016 — Ecology
- Prelims 2013 — Ecology
- Mains 2023 · GS3 · 10 marks — Environment and Ecology
- Mains 2019 · GS1 · 15 marks — Geography
- Mains 2019 · GS3 · 15 marks — Environment and Ecology
- Mains 2018 · GS1 · 10 marks — Geography
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Ecosystem” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
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