Ecology is the scientific study of _______ that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms?

Ecology is fundamentally concerned with understanding the interactions between organisms and their environment. These interactions include relationships such as predation, competition, mutualism, and various other ecological processes that help to shape the distribution and abundance of species in different ecosystems. By studying these interactions, ecologists can gain insights into how populations of organisms grow, decline, and are influenced by their surroundings.

The concept of interactions encompasses both biotic factors (such as the presence of other organisms) and abiotic factors (such as climate and soil conditions). This holistic understanding allows ecologists to predict how changes in the environment or species interactions can affect ecosystem dynamics. Thus, the term that best fits the blank is "interactions," as it encapsulates the complex relationships that dictate how organisms survive and thrive in various habitats.