The origin of the word “parcel” is considered in the article, its meaning is determined in different areas of human activity: land use history, in physics, in botany, in ecology, where it is one of the basic concepts. An attempt was made to define the very concept of partiality.
Parcel literally means "particle"
The meaning of the word parcel goes back to the Latin pars (partis) - "part", however with the diminutive suffix (cell) the word takes on the meaning - "a small particle of something."
But in the Middle Ages in Europe (France, Italy), the concept of partiality had a slightly different meaning, namely, “a piece”, “part of something concrete in something general, large, but fragmented into shapeless parts”.
Therefore, the medieval parcel is a very small land plot of peasant farming, which was conducted in the most primitive way. Such a site could have the most unpredictable shape, in contrast to the Russian concept of “cell”, which assumed a certain quadrangular shape.
What is also called "parcel"
Another meaning of this word is in the concept of partial pressure, known to us from a course in high school physics. Partial pressure is the pressure that one gas exerts from a common gas mixture if it only filled one of the entire volume occupied by the entire gas mixture.
Parcella is also a rather capricious houseplant - a ficus originating from the Pacific islands. It loves watering and does not like strong light. The bright green leaves of this plant are mottled with white-yellow splashes, stripes, mottled-marble spots of various shapes, for which the plant got its name.
Parcel as part of the ecosystem
Of particular importance is the word "parcel" in ecology. A parcel is a microgroup in ecology artificially isolated in a horizontal section of a biogeocenosis (more simply called an ecosystem). Isolation is made according to one main species of plants, usually trees. For example, the oak parcel in the biogeocenosis of deciduous forest, which includes soil, grass, undergrowth, microorganisms, fungi, and other species.
Parcels in ecosystems are usually different in both area and configuration. Their boundaries are usually fuzzy, blurry, often have a transitional character.
Inhomogeneity, mosaicity, spotting (or partiality) are characteristic of most ecosystems, because a huge number of factors affect their livelihoods:
- uneven terrain;
- action of water and wind;
- the struggle between different types of plants;
- illumination;
- features of growth and reproduction;
- impact of animal ecosystems;
- random distribution and more.
The human factor affecting the parcel is often the main factor determining its stability, and, therefore, indicating the possibility of its existence, expansion or disappearance.
Parcels are not similar to each other, they differ in species composition, structure, food and other biological connections.
Why parcels are studied in ecosystems
Parcels in ecosystems are allocated for a better study of the living conditions of individual species of living organisms. Particular attention is paid to parcels, including endangered species, as well as species of commercial value (valuable forest species, medicinal herbs, berries).