Ecology is the study of the interactions of living and nonliving organisms on Earth. Contrary to popular belief, the nonliving portion of our environment is just as important as the living portion. Without important minerals, such as phosphorus, carbon, nitrogen along with the all important water, life as we know it simply would not exist. I hope this chapter will introduce you to a lifelong understanding that we must take care of our planet so that future generations will be able to enjoy the great outdoors too!