What is the study of how plants interact with their environments called?

The study of how plants interact with their environments is known as plant ecology. This field examines the relationships between plants and their physical surroundings, including factors like climate, soil composition, and interactions with other organisms. Researchers in plant ecology investigate how these interactions influence plant distribution, growth patterns, and ecosystem dynamics.

Plant physiology, while similar, focuses specifically on the biological functions and processes in plants, such as photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, rather than their interactions with the environment. Botany is a broader term that encompasses the scientific study of plants in general, including taxonomy, anatomy, and physiology. Horticulture pertains to the cultivation of plants for food, comfort, and beauty, which also does not specifically target interactions between plants and their environments. Thus, plant ecology is the most accurate term for this area of study.