The scientific study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment is called biology. Within biology, there are numerous sub-disciplines, including ecology, genetics, and physiology. Ecology examines how organisms relate to each other and their surroundings, studying ecosystems, populations, and communities. This field tests hypotheses about relationships between organisms and their environments, considering both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors. The ultimate goal is to understand biodiversity and the underlying mechanisms that sustain life on Earth.