The name that takes into consideration how humans adapt to and modify their environment is Human Ecology. Human ecology is an interdisciplinary field that studies the relationships between humans and their natural, social, and built environments. It encompasses genetic, physiological, and social adaptations to environmental changes, as well as how humans intentionally or unintentionally modify ecosystems to suit their needs
. Additionally, the concept of Human Adaptation broadly covers the ways humans biologically and culturally adjust to environmental conditions. This includes physiological adaptations (like those seen in high-altitude populations) and cultural or technological modifications of the environment to improve survival and comfort
. Another related framework is Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (later expanded into the Bioecological Model), which explains human development as shaped by interactions within multiple layers of the environment, highlighting how individuals adapt within complex social and environmental systems
. In summary, the study and concept that explicitly address how humans adapt to and modify their environment is primarily known as Human Ecology , with related concepts in human adaptation theory and ecological systems models.
