The autoecology or ecology of the species is a branch of ecology that is responsible for studying the interrelation of a living species with its environment.
It deals with studying the way in which the species adapts to specific factors in its surrounding environment.
These factors include: humidity, temperature, light, salinity, nutrient level, and other abiotic factors.
In itself, this adaptation consists of the development of morphological and physiological characteristics suitable for the survival of the species.
The adaptation mechanisms guarantee them obtaining nutrients, development spaces, appropriate physical conditions, protection and the possibility of reproduction.
Autoecology studies the way in which the adaptations of individual organisms influence their probability of survival in a spatially and temporally variable environment.
This tries to know how the properties and requirements of individuals coincide with the fluctuating environmental conditions to which they are exposed throughout their lives. Quantifying the accuracy of this combination is crucial for autoecological understanding.
Thus, autoecology raises questions about the relationship between, for example, the properties of organisms, the length of the seasons, and latitude.
It also looks at how organisms cope with summer drought or extreme winter cold, or their ability to adapt when spatial conditions change.
In this sense, the premises of autoecology are:
1-The environment is structured (generally by the different seasons) and can vary accidentally.
2-Each environmental variable can affect organisms in different ways, and each of these bases for interaction represents a specific axis of environmental differentiation
3-The life cycle and the seasonal cycle of the species must coincide with the seasonal structure of the environment and its variability if the species is to persist in a locality
4-The adaptations of organisms are complex mechanisms that mediate the organism-environment interaction.
5-Each species adapts to a subset of such environmental influences in any particular location.
6-Organisms move spatially in response to changing environmental conditions, in order to achieve environmental pairing.
Examples
Behavioral changes are a good example of how organisms adapt to the environment.
Typically these actions respond to an external stimulus. These changes can include what an animal is capable of eating, how it moves, or how it protects itself.
For example, squirrels and marmots can hibernate for up to 12 months. They often eat a lot of food in preparation for winter.
These small animals have found a way to survive and protect themselves from harsh weather conditions, preserving food and their environment.
On the other hand, the case of the English spotted moth can illustrate the relationship of organisms to changes in habitat.
Before the 19th century, the most common type of this moth was cream-colored with dark spots. Due to environmental pollution, the darker colored moths began to thrive.
The birds couldn't see the dark moths, so they ate the cream-colored moths instead.
References
- Anaya Lang, AL (2003). Chemical ecology. Mexico City: Plaza and Valdés.
- Walter, GH (2017, June 06). Autecology. Retrieved on December 08, 2017, from oxfordbibliographies.com
- Walter, GH and Hengeveld R. (2014). Autecology: Organisms, Interactions and Environmental Dynamics. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
- Kennedy, J. (2017, October 23). Discover Animals That Have Adaptations and Mutations for Survival. Retrieved on December 8, 2017, from thoughtco.com
- National Geographic Society. (2011, January 21). Adaptation. Retrieved on December 8, 2017, from nationalgeographic.org