What is defined as a population in biological terms?

In biological terms, a population is specifically defined as a group of individuals of the same species living in the same area at the same time. This definition emphasizes the importance of both species identity and geographic location, which are crucial for understanding various ecological and evolutionary processes. Populations are key units of study in ecology, allowing scientists to investigate aspects such as genetic diversity, population dynamics, and interactions with the environment. By focusing on individuals of the same species, researchers can better understand breeding patterns, survival strategies, and resource utilization within that specific group. This clear definition distinguishes populations from other ecological units, such as communities, which comprise multiple species, or ecosystems, which include interactions within broader biological and physical environments.