What field of study focuses on how living organisms interact with each other and their environment?

Ecology is the field of study that specifically examines the interactions between living organisms and their environment, as well as the relationships among organisms themselves. It encompasses various levels of organization, including individual organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere. Ecologists investigate how these interactions influence distribution, abundance, and the functioning of ecosystems. They study the flow of energy and nutrients, the impact of environmental changes, and the dynamics of population interactions, such as predation, competition, and symbiosis.

Biology is a broader discipline that encompasses the study of all living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, and behavior. While ecology is a subfield within biology, it is specific to the relationships between organisms and their environments.

Environmental Science integrates multiple disciplines, including ecology, to understand environmental problems and the interactions between physical, chemical, and biological components of the environment. However, it focuses more on human impact and resource management rather than solely on organism interactions.

Botany is the study of plants and their biology. While it may involve aspects of ecology when examining how plants interact with their environment and other organisms, it does not encompass the entire scope of interactions among all living organisms.

Thus, ecology is the most appropriate choice when focusing