Meaning
生态 refers to ecology or the relationship between living organisms and their environment. It encompasses both the scientific study of ecosystems and the state of environmental balance. In modern usage, it's commonly seen in environmental and sustainability contexts.
Usage
Native speakers frequently use 生态 in compound words related to environmental issues, such as 生态环境 (ecological environment) and 生态系统 (ecosystem). It appears often in news, government policy, and scientific contexts. The term can function as both a standalone noun and as a modifier in compound words.
Examples
- 01我们必须保护海洋生态环境。.We must protect the marine ecological environment.
- 02这个地区的生态系统非常脆弱。.The ecosystem in this area is very fragile.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个生态系统
Common collocations
- 生态环境ecological environment
- 生态系统ecosystem
- 生态平衡ecological balance
- 生态保护ecological protection
Origin
生态 is a compound combining 生 (life) and 态 (state/condition), literally meaning 'the state of life.' It was coined as a translation of the Western scientific term 'ecology' in the early 20th century.