Fungal ecology is the study of the interactions and relationships between fungi and their environment. This includes examining how fungi interact with other organisms, such as plants and animals, as well as how they impact ecosystem processes like nutrient cycling and decomposition. Fungal ecology also explores the diversity of fungi in different habitats, their distribution patterns, and how environmental factors influence their growth and survival. This research area is important for understanding the role of fungi in ecosystems and their contributions to overall ecosystem health.