WAEC 2022 Biology · Question 46
A group of organisms of the same species living in a particular place is known as
Options
- A.colony
- B.ecosystem
- C.Niche
- 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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