The second definition of ecology is:

Andrewartha and Birch (1954) reinforced the focus on the organism as the core of ecology. Their work clearly includes the abiotic environment as well as the biotic environment as factors influencing distribution and abundance. This is shown by their recognition of the importance of climatic fluctuations, for example. However, in its application, the definition of Andrewartha and Birch has often been associated with a predominately biotic focus. This definition has become somewhat of a rallying cry for community and population centered ecology. Clearly, this definition has not stimulated exploration of the frontier of ecology with the sciences of the physical environment.

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