Theoretical ecology is a branch of ecology that uses mathematical models and simulations to understand ecological systems and their dynamics. It aims to explain how organisms interact with each other and their environment, helping to predict changes in ecosystems over time. This field often incorporates concepts from population biology, evolutionary theory, and environmental science. Researchers in theoretical ecology develop frameworks to analyze complex ecological phenomena, such as species competition, predator-prey relationships, and the impact of climate change. By creating models, they can explore scenarios that may be difficult to observe directly in nature, providing valuable insights for conservation and resource management efforts.