Which of the following best describes a population in the context of population ecology?

• A. A group of similar ecosystems in a geographic region
• B. All the organisms living in a particular ecosystem
• C. A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area at the same time
• D. A community of different species interacting in a habitat

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of a population in population ecology. A population refers to a group of individuals of the same species that live in the same geographic area and interact with one another at the same time.
2. Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the question. Each option describes a different ecological concept, so it is important to differentiate between them.
3. Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options by identifying their definitions: For example, 'A group of similar ecosystems in a geographic region' refers to a biome, not a population. Similarly, 'All the organisms living in a particular ecosystem' describes a community, and 'A community of different species interacting in a habitat' also refers to a community, not a population.
4. Step 4: Focus on the correct definition of a population: 'A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area at the same time' aligns with the definition of a population in population ecology.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the option that matches the definition of a population, which is 'A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area at the same time.'