ecological role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ecological role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the function or contribution of an organism or species within an ecosystem. Example: "The ecological role of bees is crucial for pollination and maintaining biodiversity in various habitats."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The unique ecological role of Fabaceae is in nitrogen fixation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In many places, human hunters have taken over the predator's ecological role.

The New York Times - Magazine

They do have an ecological role in certain kinds of sites.

The New York Times - Magazine

Discover how bats play a vital ecological role as the only flying mammal in New Jersey.

The New York Times

Discover how bats play a vital ecological role as the only flying mammals found in New Jersey.

The New York Times

But increasingly the ecological role of forests is also being recognised.

The Economist

Learn how bats play a vital ecological role in New Jersey as the only flying mammal.

The New York Times

Even more important than body size and metabolism may be the idiosyncrasies of an animal's lifestyle and its particular ecological role.

The New Yorker

I give thanks for Thoreau's "Bean-Field" essay in "Walden," the best literary defense of the ecological role of weeds.

The New York Times

Forested patches play an important ecological role in urbanized landscapes.

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

Azoxy-glycosides may have played an important ecological role as antiherbivore defenses.

Natural Products and Bioprospecting

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "ecological role" of a species, be specific about which ecosystem and what interactions (e.g., predator-prey, pollination) are involved. This adds clarity and depth to your explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "ecological role" interchangeably with "environmental impact". The "ecological role" refers to the function or job of a species in an ecosystem, while "environmental impact" refers to the effect, positive or negative, that a species or activity has on the environment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ecological role" functions as a noun phrase identifying the specific function or job that an organism or species performs within an ecosystem. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various disciplines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ecological role" is a well-established term used to describe the function of a species within its ecosystem. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, this phrase helps in understanding and classifying organisms' contributions to their environments. While alternatives like "environmental function" or "ecosystem function" exist, "ecological role" is precise and commonly used, especially in academic and conservation discussions. When using the phrase, clarity and specificity about the ecosystem and interactions involved are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ecological function

This is a direct synonym, interchanging "role" with "function" without altering the meaning.

Role in the ecosystem

This rephrases by specifying where the role is performed.

Environmental function

This alternative focuses on the function within the environment rather than the role, providing a more action-oriented perspective.

Ecosystem function

Similar to environmental function, this highlights the functional aspect within the broader ecosystem.

Contribution to the ecosystem

This phrase highlights the organism's contribution, focusing on its positive impact.

Niche in the environment

Using "niche" emphasizes the specific position occupied by an organism within its habitat.

Ecological importance

This focuses on the significance of the role within the ecological context.

Function in nature

This simplifies the term and makes it sound less academic and more colloquial.

Environmental impact

This focuses on the effect the organism has on its surroundings, rather than its defined role.

Part played in the environment

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary to describe the ecological impact.

FAQs

How is the term "ecological role" used in a sentence?

The term "ecological role" is used to describe the function of a species or organism within its ecosystem. For instance, you might say, "The "ecological role of bees" is vital for pollination."

What's a simpler way to express "ecological role"?

Alternatives to "ecological role" include "environmental function", "ecosystem function", or simply "role in the ecosystem".

Is there a difference between "ecological role" and "environmental impact"?

"Ecological role" refers to the specific function of a species within its environment, whereas "environmental impact" refers to the effect, whether positive or negative, that the species has on the environment. They are related but distinct concepts.

What factors determine an organism's "ecological role"?

An organism's "ecological role" is determined by factors such as its diet, habitat, interactions with other species, and its contribution to ecosystem processes like nutrient cycling or energy flow.