Ecology is best defined as the study of

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the best definition of ecology. Look at the word itself: it comes from the Greek oikos (house or home) and logos (study). So ecology is the study of "the home," meaning how living things relate to where they live.

Step 2: Explain the concept Ecology is the branch of biology that studies the relationships (interactions) between living organisms and their environment. The environment includes:

• Biotic factors: other living things such as plants, animals and microbes
• Abiotic factors: non-living things such as temperature, water, light and soil

It also covers how organisms interact with each other, such as in feeding, competition and symbiosis.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. The characteristics of an environment: This covers only the surroundings, not the organisms. It is incomplete.
• B. The inter-relationship between living organisms and the environment: This covers both the organisms and the environment, and the relationship between them. This is the complete definition.
• C. Living organisms in a particular area: This covers only the organisms, with no mention of the environment or any interaction. It is closer to a description of a population or community.
• D. The habitats and wild life: This is too narrow. It names two parts of ecology but leaves out the interactions.

Step 4: Answer

Exam tip: For "define ecology" questions, look for the key word inter-relationship (or interaction) linking organisms and environment. If an option mentions only one side, such as only the organisms or only the surroundings, it is incomplete. A simple memory aid is: Ecology = Organisms + Environment + Interaction.