Sample Statistics. 1  x refers to a sample mean. 2  s refers to the standard deviation of a sample. 3  s2 refers to the variance of a sample. 4  p refers to the proportion of sample elements that have a particular attribute. 5  q refers to the proportion of sample elements that do not have a particular attribute, so q = 1 - p.
Ecology/Environmental Response. The most basic interest of ecologists is how organisms interact with their environment. Inanimate objects do not normally interactâthey are simply acted upon by forces in the environment. Organisms, however, cannot be totally passive within a chain of events and still sustain life.
One or more substances released to the water, air or soil in the natural environment. See also environmental release, pollution and environmental intervention. Environment. Surroundings in which an organization operates, including air, water, land, natural resources, flora, fauna, humans, and their interrelations.