Tracer studies are research methods used to track the movement and behavior of specific elements or compounds within a system. They often involve the use of labeled substances, known as tracers, which can be followed through various processes. This technique is commonly applied in fields like ecology, environmental science, and medicine to understand how substances interact and change over time. In ecology, tracer studies help scientists monitor the flow of nutrients in ecosystems, while in medicine, they can be used to observe how drugs are distributed in the body. By analyzing the data collected from these studies, researchers can gain valuable insights into complex systems and improve their understanding of various phenomena.