Ekologista

Ekologista is the Basque term for ecologist, a scientist who studies the relationships between living organisms and their environment. Ecologists seek to understand how ecosystems function, how species interact, and how energy and nutrients flow through habitats. They investigate biodiversity, population dynamics, and the effects of human activities on natural systems, applying observations, experiments, and models to explain patterns and inform decisions that affect the environment.

Work by ekologista can be field-based, laboratory, or theoretical, often involving interdisciplinary collaboration with biologists, geographers, environmental scientists, and policy specialists. Common activities include conducting field surveys of flora and fauna, collecting environmental data, and analyzing it with statistics and computer tools. They may map species distributions with geographic information systems, model ecological processes, and assess environmental impacts. Ecologists design and monitor conservation or restoration projects, advise on land-use planning, and contribute to climate adaptation and ecosystem-service assessments that help sustain water, soil, pollination, and carbon storage.

Education typically requires a degree in ecology or a related field such as biology or environmental science, with many roles requiring graduate study for research, policy, or senior positions. Practical experience, strong data-analysis skills, and proficiency with GIS and statistical software are highly valued. Ekologista work settings include universities and research institutes, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and environmental consulting firms.