The study of the complex system of interactions that sustain life on the planet is called ecology. Here's why:
1. Ecology: Ecology is the branch of biology that deals with the relationships between living organisms and their environment. It focuses on how living organisms interact with each other and with the environment they are in. This includes studying the flow of energy and nutrients through ecosystems, the impact of human activities on the environment, and the conservation of biodiversity.
2. Biology: While biology is the study of living organisms and their processes, ecology specifically looks at the interactions between organisms and their environment, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things on Earth.
3. Examples: In ecology, scientists study various ecological levels such as individual organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere. They analyze how different species depend on each other for survival, how energy is transferred through food webs, and how human activities like deforestation or pollution can disrupt these delicate interactions.
Therefore, the study of the complex system of interactions that sustain life on the planet aligns most closely with the field of ecology.
