WAEC 2022 Biology · Question 46

A group of organisms of the same species living in a particular place is known as

Options

  1. A.colony
  2. B.ecosystem
  3. C.Niche
  4. D.population

Answer: D. population

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term describing a group of organisms of the same species living in a particular place. The key phrases are "same species" and "particular place."

Step 2: Explain the concepts Let's look at each option:

  • A. Colony: A group of organisms of the same species living closely together, often with cooperation or physical connection (e.g., ants, bees, corals, bacteria). It is a specific kind of grouping, usually social or structural, not the general ecological term.
  • B. Ecosystem: A community of living organisms (many species) interacting with the non-living environment (soil, water, air). It involves multiple species, so it does not fit.
  • C. Niche: The role or function of an organism in its habitat, including what it eats, where it lives, and how it interacts with others. It describes a role, not a group.
  • D. Population: All the individuals of the same species living in a particular area at a given time (e.g., all the tilapia fish in a pond, or all the baobab trees in a savannah reserve).

Step 3: Solve

  • Same species → rules out ecosystem (many species) and niche (a role).
  • Group in a particular place → matches the ecological definition of a population.
  • Colony is more specific, implying a tightly knit or social group, whereas the question uses the general ecological definition.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is D. population.

Tip: Remember the ecological hierarchy: Individual → Population → Community → Ecosystem → Biosphere. A population is always one species in one place. If you see "same species + particular place," think population.

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