ecologist
gb/ɪkˈɑləd͡ʒɪst/ us/ɪkˈɑləd͡ʒɪst/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
C1
role
1
scientist who studies ecosystems
An ecologist is a scientist who studies plants, animals, and their environment.
Usage pattern:
an ecologist (who studies) [ecosystem/species/place]
Common mistake:
Often confused with economist (money) because the words look similar.
Synonyms
ecology researcher (Highlights the research role, not necessarily the job title.)
|
environmental scientist (Broader term; may study pollution or climate without focusing on ecology.)
Collocations
marine ecologist
|field ecologist
|wildlife ecologist
|urban ecologist
|conservation ecologist
|population ecologist
|ecologist at a university
|a leading ecologist
|ecologist specializing in [topic]
|consulting ecologist
Themes
science
|environment
|nature
|education
Examples
- The ecologist tracked how the loss of wetlands affected local bird populations.
- As an ecologist, she studies the relationship between insects and flowering plants.
- The park hired an ecologist to assess the impact of the new trail.
Learner examples
- My cousin is an ecologist.
- An ecologist studies nature and the environment.
Noun
C1
role
2
person concerned about ecology
Sometimes people use ecologist to mean someone who cares a lot about protecting nature.
Usage pattern:
ecologists and environmental groups
Common mistake:
In careful writing, environmentalist is often better for an activist; ecologist usually means a scientist.
Synonyms
environmentalist (More common for an activist or campaigner rather than a scientist.)
|
conservationist (Emphasizes protecting habitats and wildlife; can be professional or volunteer.)
Antonyms
polluter (Someone who harms the environment rather than protecting it.)
Collocations
ecologists and activists
|ecologists warn that...
|ecologists argue for...
|ecologists call for action
|ecologists oppose [project]
Themes
environment
|society
|politics
Examples
- Local ecologists protested the plan to drain the marsh for new housing.
- Ecologists have called for stricter limits on plastic waste.
- Some ecologists say the project puts the river ecosystem at risk.
Learner examples
- Ecologists want to protect the forest.
Grammar
Dictionary form
ecologist
IPA
GB/ɪkˈɑləd͡ʒɪst/
US/ɪkˈɑləd͡ʒɪst/
Syllables & stress
eco - lo - gist (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (lo)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: ecologist
- Plural: ecologists
Word family
Expressions
conservation ecologist
1/kˌɑnsɚvˈeɪʃən ɪkˈɑləd͡ʒɪst/
fixed phrase
ecologist focused on protection
A conservation ecologist uses ecology to help protect nature.
Examples
- The conservation ecologist advised the government on creating wildlife corridors.
- As a conservation ecologist, he studies how development affects endangered species.
field ecologist
1/fˈild ɪkˈɑləd͡ʒɪst/
fixed phrase
ecologist doing outdoor research
A field ecologist studies nature outside, for example in forests or rivers.
Examples
- She worked as a field ecologist in Alaska, monitoring salmon streams.
- A field ecologist may spend weeks collecting samples in remote areas.
marine ecologist
1/mɚˈin ɪkˈɑləd͡ʒɪst/
fixed phrase
ecologist studying ocean life
A marine ecologist studies plants and animals in the sea.
Examples
- The marine ecologist surveyed coral reefs to measure recovery after the storm.
- A marine ecologist explained how warming seas affect the food chain.
urban ecologist
1/ˈɚbən ɪkˈɑləd͡ʒɪst/
fixed phrase
ecologist studying city ecosystems
An urban ecologist studies nature in cities.
Examples
- The urban ecologist studied how green roofs support insects and birds downtown.
- An urban ecologist mapped how heat and trees vary across neighborhoods.