Cherrett (1989) developed a list of the 50 most important
ecological concepts by surveying the members of the
British Ecological Society. Although the terminology or
ranking of ecological concepts may vary, other authors
(Odum, 1992; Sponsel, 1987) would probably agree with
Cherrett’s list. The 20 most important ecological
concepts from Cherrett would be recognized and endorsed
by most environmental educators as concepts essential
to environmental literacy (see Table 1). The constructivist
perspective holds that it is important that students
have meaningful knowledge (Ausubel, Sullivan, &
Ives, 1980) of these important ecological concepts.
Environmentally literate students and adults should be
able to use and apply the basic ecological concepts when
considering environmental problems or issues.