Cave ecology is the study of the interactions between the biotic and abiotic factors within cave environments. This field of study examines the unique ecosystem found in caves, including the diversity of species that inhabit them, their adaptations to the dark, nutrient-poor conditions, and the intricate food webs that exist within these environments. Cave ecologists also investigate how human activities such as tourism, pollution, and habitat disturbance can impact cave ecosystems and the species that rely on them for survival. Overall, cave ecology plays a crucial role in conservation efforts to protect these fragile and often overlooked ecosystems.