What is the definition of ecology?

The definition of ecology centers around understanding the relationships between living organisms and their surroundings, including both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of the environment. This field examines how species interact with one another and with their habitats, which encompasses aspects such as food chains, population dynamics, and the impact of environmental changes on ecosystems.

This definition highlights the complexity and interconnectedness of life forms and their environments, encompassing a wide range of interactions from those at the level of individual organisms to entire ecosystems. Recognizing this interrelationship is crucial for understanding issues related to biodiversity, conservation, and environmental sustainability. In contrast, the other options address more specific or unrelated topics that do not encapsulate the breadth of what ecology entails.