What does the study of 'ecology' focus on?

The study of ecology focuses on the interactions within ecosystems, which encompasses the relationships between organisms and their physical environment. This includes understanding how living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microbes, interact with each other and with the abiotic components of their environment, including soil, water, and climate. Ecologists explore topics such as food webs, biodiversity, energy flow, and nutrient cycling, all of which highlight the complex interdependencies that characterize ecological systems. This foundational understanding is essential for addressing environmental issues, conserving biodiversity, and managing natural resources sustainably.

While other areas, such as the impacts of climate change on human societies or the economic implications of resource management, are important fields of study, they are not the central focus of ecology itself, which is primarily concerned with the biological and ecological interactions that occur in natural environments.