Florida Biology EOC Practice Test

A population in biology is defined as a group of individuals of the same species that inhabit a specific geographical area and have the potential to interbreed. This definition emphasizes the importance of species identity and the spatial aspect of a population, indicating that these individuals share similar characteristics and genetic material.

In contrast, other choices focus on broader concepts. For instance, all the species in a specific ecosystem encompasses multiple populations, while different species living together in a community highlights interaction among various populations rather than focusing on a single species. Lastly, referring to the total number of organisms in an area doesn't provide the specificity needed to define a population, as it could include different species, not just those of the same kind. Therefore, understanding the specific criteria for a population emphasizes the essential aspect of species unity and geographic limitation.