Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What is the study of interactions between organisms and their environments called?

1. Biology

2. Ecology

3. Botany

4. Zoology

The correct answer is: Ecology

The study of interactions between organisms and their environments is known as ecology. This field focuses on understanding how living organisms, including plants, animals, and microbes, interact with each other and their physical surroundings. Ecology examines various relationships, such as predator-prey dynamics, competition for resources, and symbiotic relationships, as well as how these interactions affect population dynamics, community structures, and ecosystem health. In contrast, the other fields mentioned focus on specific aspects of biology. Biology is the overarching science that studies all living organisms and their vital processes. Botany is a branch of biology that specifically deals with plant life, while zoology is the study of animals. While all these disciplines contribute to our understanding of life and its various forms, ecology is uniquely concerned with the relationships between organisms and their environments, making it the correct answer to the question.