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human ecology

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Definition of human ecology

1 : a branch of sociology dealing especially with the spatial and temporal interrelationships between humans and their economic, social, and political organization
2 : the ecology of human communities and populations especially as concerned with preservation of environmental quality (as of air or water) through proper application of conservation and civil engineering practices

Examples of human ecology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The new contract also sets Drake’s salary as Distinguished University Professor in the departments of medicine, ophthalmology and education and human ecology, beginning July 1 through June 30, 2024. — Emily Bamforth, cleveland, 28 Feb. 2020 Planting as many trees as possible would reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by about 9 gigatons each year, according to Pamela McElwee, a professor of human ecology at Rutgers University and one of the report’s lead authors. — Christopher Flavelle, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Aug. 2019 Planting as many trees as possible would reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by about nine gigatons each year, according to Pamela McElwee, a professor of human ecology at Rutgers University and one of the report’s lead authors. — Christopher Flavelle, New York Times, 8 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'human ecology.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of human ecology

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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The first known use of human ecology was in 1907

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Dictionary Entries Near human ecology

humane

human ecology

human engineering

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Cite this Entry

“Human ecology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human%20ecology. Accessed 8 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for human ecology

human ecology

noun

Medical Definition of human ecology

1 : a branch of sociology concerned especially with the study of the spatial and temporal interrelationships between human beings and their economic, social, and political organization
2 : the ecology of human communities and populations especially as concerned with preservation of environmental quality (as of air or water) through proper application of conservation and civil engineering practices

More from Merriam-Webster on human ecology

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about human ecology

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