Question

Which of the following areas of study focuses on the exchange of energy, organisms, and materials between ecosystems?

(A) organismal ecology

(B) landscape ecology

(C) ecosystem ecology

(D) community ecology

Short answer

1. The option “organismal ecology” is false.
2. The option “landscape ecology” is true.
3. The option “ecosystem ecology” is false.
4. The option “community ecology” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Ecosystem

In ecology, the complex system of living organisms in which they interact to obtain their food and energy is called an ecosystem. Examples of the ecosystem include littoral zone, rainforest, human ecosystem, desert, agroecosystem, and aquatic ecosystem.

Explanation of option ‘(A)’ 

Organismal ecology is the study that concerns the adaptation (morphological and behavioral) of individuals that enable them to reside in a particular habitat.

Thus, organismal ecology deals with things within an ecosystem.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

Landscape ecology is the field of study focused on the connection between landscape patterns and ecosystem processes.

Thus, landscape ecosystem often reaches multiple ecosystems and studies mineral, organism, and energy exchange between ecosystems.

Therefore, the given option is true.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

Ecosystem ecology is the biological science that examines the interaction betweenbiotic and abiotic structures of an ecosystem.

Thus, ecosystem ecology only focuses on a single ecosystem.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

Community ecology is the study that deals with the formation of community within the population of interacting species.

Thus, community ecology focuses on groups of similar species within a community.

Therefore, the given option is false.