The study of an individual organism or a single species of organism and its environment is

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term describing the study of a single species (or an individual organism) in relation to its environment.

Step 2: Explain the concept Ecology can be studied at two main levels:

• Autecology: auto means "self". It studies one species or one individual organism and how it interacts with its environment. An example is studying how the tilapia fish responds to temperature, food and oxygen in a pond.
• Synecology: syn means "together". It studies groups of organisms (communities and populations) living together and their relationship with the environment. An example is studying the whole pond community of fish, plants, insects and microbes.

Step 3: Go through the options

• A. Autecology: Correct. It deals with a single species and its environment.
• B. Ecological concepts: This is a general phrase, not the name of a specific branch of ecology.
• C. Synecology: This deals with communities or groups of species, not a single species.
• D. Biotic composers: This is not a real ecological term. (The biotic components of an ecosystem are the living things in it.)

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. Autecology.

Exam tip: Remember "Auto = Alone" (one species) and "Syn = Several" (many species or a community). This pair appears often in JAMB, WASSCE and NECO.