While studying vegetation of an area, terms like ‘population’ and ‘com

While studying vegetation of an area, terms like ‘population’ and ‘community’ are often used. Which one of the following statements best describes a population ?

A group of organisms of one species, living in the same area at the same time.
A group of organisms of one species living in different areas during different seasons.
A unit consisting of biotic and abiotic components.
A group of organisms of more than one species, living in the same area at the same time.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2021
Option A correctly defines a population in an ecological context. A population is a group of individuals belonging to the same species that live in the same area at the same time and are capable of interbreeding.
The defining characteristics of a biological population are that the organisms must be of the same species, live in the same geographical area, and exist at the same time.
Option C describes an ecosystem, which includes both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components. Option D describes a community, which consists of populations of different species living and interacting in the same area. Option B describes a distribution pattern or migration rather than a population at a specific point in time and space.
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