Ecology (Fundamentals): What does the field of ecology study? Emphasis on relationships and interactions among organisms and their environment. Choose the most accurate definition.

What is being asked?
The scope of ecology as a biological discipline.

Given data

• Keyword: relationships/interactions
• Context: organisms and environment

Concept/Approach
Ecology examines biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) interactions across levels: individuals, populations, communities, ecosystems, biomes, and the biosphere.

Common pitfalls
Equating ecology with taxonomy (naming/classification) or with medicine/public health.

Final Answer
The relationships of organisms with one another and with their environment