Ecology is the study of ___________.

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Ecology**: Begin by defining what ecology is. Ecology is the branch of biology that deals with the relationships between living organisms and their physical environment.

2. **Components of Ecology**: Recognize that ecology involves two main components:
- **Biotic Components**: These include all living organisms such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.
- **Abiotic Components**: These are the non-living physical factors in the environment, such as temperature, light, and other environmental conditions.

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