Which term refers to the scientific study of how populations interact with their environment?

The term that refers to the scientific study of how populations interact with their environment is ecology. This field of study encompasses the relationships between organisms and their physical surroundings, including how they obtain resources, how they reproduce, and how they adapt to various environmental factors. Ecologists examine various ecosystems, the dynamics within them, and the impact of human activities on these natural systems.

Genetics focuses on heredity and the variation of organisms, looking at how traits are passed from one generation to the next at a molecular level. Evolution deals with the changes in species over time due to processes like natural selection, rather than the immediate interactions of populations with their environments. Geology is concerned with the Earth’s structure, composition, and processes, concentrating on the physical aspects of the planet rather than biological interactions. Therefore, ecology is the specific branch of science dedicated to understanding how organisms and populations interact with their ecosystems.