chemical ecology

Chemical ecology is the study of how living organisms interact with one another and their environment through chemicals. These chemicals can be scents, toxins, pheromones, or other substances that influence behavior, communication, and survival. For example, plants may release chemicals to deter herbivores or attract pollinators, while animals might use pheromones to signal mates or warn of predators. Understanding these chemical interactions helps researchers learn about ecosystems, species relationships, and evolutionary processes, revealing the complex ways life on Earth is interconnected.