Ecological interactions refer to the various ways in which living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, interact with each other and their environment. These interactions can be classified into different types, such as predation, competition, mutualism, and parasitism. Each type plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems and influencing the distribution and abundance of species. For example, in a mutualistic relationship, both species benefit, like bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar. In contrast, in predation, one organism, the predator, hunts and consumes another, the prey, which helps regulate population sizes. Understanding these interactions is essential for conserving biodiversity and managing ecosystems effectively.