What is a community in biological terms?

A community in biological terms refers to all populations of different species living and interacting within a particular area. This definition emphasizes the diversity of organisms present, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, and recognizes the relationships they have with one another, such as competition, predation, and symbiosis.

For example, in a forest community, you would find a variety of tree species, shrubs, birds, mammals, insects, and fungi coexisting and influencing each other's lives. This concept encompasses not only the presence of multiple species but also the dynamic interactions among them that define the ecological community.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of ecology. One option describes all species in an area but lacks the emphasis on their interrelationships, while another highlights only abiotic factors, which are the non-living components of the environment rather than the biological interactions that characterize a community. The option mentioning only dominant species overlooks the complexity and variety within ecosystems, as it disregards the roles of all species, regardless of their abundance or dominance. Thus, the definition that encompasses all populations of different species highlights the intricate network of interactions and the biological diversity that defines a community.