Final answer:
Ecology is the study of how living organisms interact with one another and their environment, covering everything from individual organisms to entire ecosystems, and is intertwined with economic principles in ecological economics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions that living organisms have with each other and with their environment. This interdisciplinary field spans various levels of biological organization, ranging from the study of individuals to populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere. An ecosystem encompasses all the biotic and abiotic factors in an area and how these factors interact.
Ecologists work to understand the biological organization that occurs at levels higher than the individual organism, including populations and communities of organisms. Through research in ecology, we gain insights into biodiversity, conservation, and the impact of human activities on natural habitats. The study of ecological economics further emphasizes the relationship between ecosystems and economic systems, advocating for a sustainable economy that respects the finite resources of our planet.