In population ecology, which of the following best describes a population?

• A. All the different species living and interacting in the same area
• B. All the abiotic factors (e.g., temperature, water, soil) in a habitat
• C. A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area at the same time
• D. A single organism and its behavioral and physiological responses to its environment

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of a population in population ecology: it refers to a group of individuals of the same species living in the same area at the same time.
2. Differentiate between related ecological terms: a community includes all different species living and interacting in the same area, while abiotic factors refer to non-living environmental components like temperature and soil.
3. Recognize that a single organism and its responses to the environment describe an individual, not a population.
4. Conclude that the best description of a population is a group of individuals of the same species living in the same area at the same time.
5. Therefore, select the option that matches this definition as the correct answer.