What is a population in biological terms?

In biological terms, a population refers to a group of individuals of the same species that inhabit a specific area at the same time. This definition emphasizes the importance of both the species identity and the geographical context. Members of a population typically interbreed and share genetic material, which is crucial for the dynamics of natural selection and evolution.

Understanding this concept of a population is fundamental in ecology, as it helps researchers study species interactions, population dynamics, and the effects of environmental changes on specific groups of organisms. This focus on individuals of the same species is what distinctly sets populations apart from other ecological concepts, such as communities or ecosystems, which involve interactions among different species or the broader ecological context.