Dendroecology is the study of tree rings to understand ecological and environmental changes over time. By examining the growth patterns in tree rings, researchers can gather information about past climate conditions, disturbances, and forest dynamics. This field combines aspects of dendrochronology, which focuses on dating tree rings, with ecological principles to interpret the data. Scientists use dendroecology to assess the health of forests, track the impacts of climate change, and inform conservation efforts. The insights gained can help predict how ecosystems might respond to future environmental shifts, making it a valuable tool for managing natural resources.