Final answer:
Toxicology is the study of the negative impact of chemicals, physical, and biological agents on living organisms and their ecosystems. It includes investigation into cancer, birth defects, and endocrine disruption, and directs towards preventative measures. Hence, option (c) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Toxicology is defined as "the study of the adverse effects of chemical, physical, or biological agents on living organisms and the ecosystem, including the prevention and amelioration of such adverse effects." This broad definition encompasses the effects of toxins not just on individual health but also on environmental health, including components like environmental toxicology and the understanding of how contaminants such as pesticides or heavy metals can impact humans, animals, and the ecosystem.
Examples of toxicological studies include the examination of substances that may cause cancer, birth defects, or other serious health issues in humans and animals. Furthermore, the field investigates the impact of exposure to certain chemicals at low doses across long periods, paying close attention to phenomena such as endocrine disruption which affects the hormone systems in both plants and animals.
The correct definition of toxicology based on these descriptions would be: c. the study of the adverse effects of some chemicals on organisms.