Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and their environment. It seeks to understand how living organisms interact with each other and with their physical surroundings, such as air, water, and soil. Ecologists study various ecosystems, ranging from forests and wetlands to deserts and oceans, to analyze factors such as population dynamics, species diversity, energy flow, and nutrient cycling. By studying these relationships, ecologists aim to better understand how ecosystems function and how they can be managed and conserved to ensure the health and sustainability of the natural world.