The Ecology of Viruses

The ecology of viruses explores how they interact with their environment, hosts, and other organisms. Viruses rely on living cells to reproduce, affecting ecosystems by influencing population dynamics, species diversity, and health. They can persist in various settings, such as water, soil, or within host organisms, and are shaped by factors like climate, human activity, and microbial communities. Understanding their ecology helps us grasp how viruses spread, evolve, and impact ecosystems and human health, emphasizing their role as integral parts of biological systems rather than just pathogens.