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The relationship of animals and plants to their biological and physical environments is the Study of Ecology.  Light and heat, moisture, carbon dioxide, oxygen, soil and water are all examples of the physical environment.  Plants, animals and other organisms are examples of the biological environment.  Because of an increased public awareness of the problems in the environment, ecology has become a common word.  It is often confused with environmental science.  So although it is a scientific discipline, it does contribute to the understanding and study of problems with the environment.  Therefore, they are related, just not the same.  This is a good distinction to know.