Ecology is the natural science dedicated to understanding the intricate relationships among living organisms and their environment, studying them from individual to biosphere levels. The term was coined in 1866 by German scientist Ernst Haeckel, and the field evolved to examine the abundance, distribution, and interactions of life, including the flow of energy and materials through ecosystems.
A central concept is the ecosystem, a dynamic system of organisms and their non-living surroundings, which provides essential services like food, climate regulation, and water filtration. This vital science has practical applications in areas such as conservation biology and natural resource management. Ecologists emphasize the interconnectedness within these systems, where small changes can lead to significant, often unpredictable, impacts. Ultimately, the study of ecology, including its focus on biodiversity, is crucial for comprehending and managing the complex web of life on Earth.