Using basic ecological concepts we introduce sperm ecology, a framework to study sperm cells.We first describe environmental effects on sperm and conclude that evolutionary and ecological research should not neglect the overwhelming evidence presented here (both in external and internal fertilizers, and in terrestrial and aquatic habitats) that sperm function is altered by many environments, including the male environment. Second, we conclude that the evidence for sperm phenotypic plasticity is overwhelming. Third, we find that genotype-by-environment interaction effects on sperm function exist but their general adaptive significance (e.g. local adaptation) awaits further research. It remains unresolved whether sperm diversification occurs by natural selection acting on sperm function, or on male and female micro-environments that enable optimal plastic performance of sperm ('sperm niches'). Environmental effects reduce fitness predictability under sperm competition, predict species distributions under global change, explain adaptive behavior, and highlight the role of natural selection in behavioral ecology and reproductive medicine. Adriaenssens B, van Damme R, Seebacher F, Wilson RS. 2012. Sex cells in changing environments: can organisms adjust the physiological function of gametes to different temperatures? Global Change Biol. 18:1797-1803 Aitken, RJ. 2006. Sperm function tests and fertility. Int. J. Androl. 29:60-75 Aitken RJ, Baker MA 2013. Causes and consequences of apoptosis in spermatozoa; contributions to infertility and impacts on development. Int. J. Dev. Biol. 57:265-72 Aitken, R. J. & Clarkson, J. S. (1988) Significance of reactive oxygen species and anti-oxidants in defining the efficacy of sperm preparation techniques. J Androl 9:367-76 Aitken RJ & Koppers AJ. (2011) Apoptosis and DNA damage in human spermatozoa. Asian J Androl 13:36-42 Aitken RJ, De Iuliis GN, McLachlan RI. 2009. Biological and clinical significance of DNA damage in the male germ line. Int. J Androl. 32:46-56 Aitken RJ, Gibb Z, Mitchell LA, Lambourne SR, Connaughton HS, De Iuliis GN. 2012. Sperm motility is lost in vitro as a consequence of mitochondrial free radical production and the generation of electrophilic aldehydes but can be significantly rescued by the presence of nucleophilic thiols. Biol. Reprod. 87:110 Aitken RJ, Bronson R, Smith TB, De Iuliis GN. The source and significance of DNA damage in human spermatozoa; a commentary on diagnostic strategies and straw man fallacies. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 19: 475-85 Aitken RJ, Smith TB, Jobling MS, Baker MA, De Iuliis GN. 2014. Oxidative stress and male reproductive health. Asian J. Androl. 16:31-8 Alavi SMH, Cosson J. 2005. Sperm motility in fishes. i. Effects of temperature and ph: a review.