What is a population?

A population is defined as a group of organisms that belong to the same species and live in the same area at the same time. This definition emphasizes the concept of species, which refers to a group of individuals that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, and the notion of locality, which connects these individuals geographically.

By specifying both the same species and the same area, this definition captures the essence of population dynamics, such as birth rates, death rates, and how individuals interact within their environment. The focus on a single species helps in studying ecological factors, resource competition, and health assessments within that species as it relates to its environment.

The other choices revolve around the broader concepts of communities and ecosystems. While they are important for understanding ecological relationships, they do not accurately describe a population, which is specifically about one species.