Heroes and Cultural Identity Project

SCE Heroes - George Tansley

Sir Arthur George Tansley

August 15, 1871 - November 25, 1955

by Caroline Madden

Sir Arthur George Tansley was a well-known name in the world of Ecology. He is remembered as the man who created the term 'Ecosystem' in 1937 and the science behind it.

'He single-handedly bridges the biology in ecology with the physics, chemistry and other fields of science that describe the environment.'

Within his thriving profession as botanist/plant biologist he became a pioneer in the field of ecology. Many of his influences include Danish plant ecologist Eugenius Warming. Tansleys credits include being one of the founders of The British Ecological Society and the editor for the 'Journal of Ecology' for 20 years. In honor of his contribution to Ecology the 'New Phytologist' publishes a special paper in each issue called the 'Tansley Review'

An ecosystem can be defined as:

'A community of all living things that are linked by energy and nutrient flows'

These living things interact with each other even on the smallest level and with the physical environment.

Some Well-known Ecosystems include:

• Rainforests
• Deserts
• Coral reefs
• Grasslands
• Marshes

Even though certain ecosystems may appear that there are no living organisms, there are many that work on a microscopic level, unseen to the naked eye.

Ecosystems play a huge role in the way in which our world works. Without its understanding, scientists may never have discovered the impact that humans have on the environment and more importantly, how to reverse it. Sir Tansley is my hero. Because of him we can broaden our understanding and save this world before it's too late.

Caroline Madden is a science student following a one year university access course in biological sciences.