What field studies ecosystems and their interactions?

The field that studies ecosystems and their interactions is ecology. Ecology focuses on the relationships between living organisms, including humans, and their physical environment. This branch of biology examines how organisms interact with each other and with their surroundings, including the energy flow, nutrient cycling, and the impact of environmental changes. By studying ecosystems, ecologists aim to understand the complex interdependencies within biological communities and how these relationships affect the structure and function of the environment.

In contrast, microbiology deals with microscopic organisms, such as bacteria and viruses, and their roles in various processes but does not encompass the broader interactions in ecosystems. Zoology focuses specifically on animals and their biological processes, while botany is centered on the study of plants. Each of these fields has its specific focus and scope, which does not fully address the interactions within ecosystems as comprehensively as ecology does.