Viral ecology is the study of how viruses interact with their environments, hosts, and other organisms. It examines the roles viruses play in ecosystems, including their impact on population dynamics, nutrient cycling, and disease transmission. Understanding these interactions helps scientists predict viral behavior and its effects on health and biodiversity. Researchers in viral ecology explore various factors, such as host species, viral evolution, and environmental conditions, that influence viral spread and persistence. This field is crucial for managing viral outbreaks and developing strategies for disease control in both wildlife and human populations.