Which field of biology studies the interactions between organisms and their environment?

Ecology is the field of biology focused on understanding the interactions between organisms and their environment. This includes studying relationships among individuals within species, the relationships between different species, and how living organisms interact with their physical surroundings, such as climate, soil, and water. By examining these interactions, ecologists can gain insights into ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity, and the impact of human activities on natural habitats.

In contrast, genetics primarily deals with heredity and variation in organisms, exploring concepts such as DNA, genes, and the mechanisms of inheritance. Botany is the study of plants, including their physiology, structure, genetics, and taxonomy, while zoology focuses on the animal kingdom, encompassing the biology of animals and their behavior, physiology, and classification. Thus, ecology stands out as the discipline specifically concerned with the relationships and interactions within the natural world.