Definition: Biocenosis is the interaction and association of different species of organisms living together in a particular habitat, forming a self-regulating ecological community.
Etymology & Origin: The term ‘biocenosis’ comes from the Greek words ‘bios,’ meaning ‘life,’ and ‘koinos,’ meaning ‘common.’ It was coined in the late 19th century by German biologist Karl Möbius to describe the living community of organisms in a habitat.
Examples:
- The coral reef is an example of biocenosis, where various marine species coexist and interact with one another.
- Studying the biocenosis of a forest helps ecologists understand the complex relationships and dependencies among different species.
- Conservation efforts aim to preserve the biocenosis of endangered habitats, ensuring the survival of interconnected species.
