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

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Q: 16 (CDS-II/2021)
While studying vegetation of an area, terms like ‘population’ and ‘community’ are often used.
Which one of the following statements best describes a population ?

question_subject: 

Science

question_exam: 

CDS-II

stats: 

0,23,10,23,1,0,9

The correct answer is option 1: A population is a group of organisms of one species, living in the same area at the same time.

Let`s dissect each option to understand them better:

Option 1: A group of organisms of one species, living in the same area at the same time. This correctly describes a population. In ecology, a population refers to a group of individuals of the same species that live together in a specific area and interact with each other.

Option 2: A group of organisms of one species living in different areas during different seasons. This statement describes seasonal migration or movement of individuals, and it does not define a population.

Option 3: A unit consisting of biotic and abiotic components. This describes an ecosystem, which is a larger scale concept than a population. An ecosystem includes both the living organisms (biotic components) and the physical environment (abiotic components).

Option 4: A group of organisms of more than one species, living in the same area at the same time. This statement describes a community, which is a collection of populations of different species living together in an area.

In conclusion, option 1 accurately describes a population as it encompasses individuals of the same species living in the same area at the same time.