Virus ecology is a subfield of virology that focuses on the study of viruses in their natural environment and their interactions with living organisms and ecosystems. Researchers study the diversity, distribution, and dynamics of viruses in various ecosystems, including soil, water, and air, as well as their impact on wildlife, plants, and humans. This field also explores the role of viruses in ecological processes, such as nutrient cycling, evolution, and population dynamics. Understanding virus ecology is important for predicting and preventing the spread of viral diseases and for better managing ecosystems and populations.