nA definition of ecology used in this course

A scientific study of the relationships between organisms and populations and their abiotic (non-living) and biotic environment 

 

Autecology - a study of the relationship between individual organisms and their environment (includes ecological physiology, behavioral ecology, etc.).
Demecology - a study of the relationship between populations and their abiotic and biotic environment and between individuals within populations.
Synecology - a study of the relationship between populations of different species within a community and between communities and their environment.

Ecology helps to understand the factors governing distribution and abundance of the organisms