Ecology is the study of how living organisms interact with one another and their environment. This resource introduces students to the basics of ecology, including the levels of organization in living things, from the smallest unit, the cell, to a complete organism like the Bluegill fish. The document encourages students to fill in a flow chart demonstrating these levels, enhancing their understanding of biological structure and the ecosystem. It emphasizes the significance of studying individual organisms like the Bluegill as a means to grasp broader ecological concepts and interactions.