To answer this question correctly, we need to understand the hierarchy of biological classification. This hierarchy arranges organisms from the broadest to the most specific categories. Here's a breakdown:...
- Domain: The broadest category, encompassing all living things.
- Kingdom: A grouping of similar phyla, like plants, animals, fungi, etc.
- Phylum: A grouping of similar classes, like chordates (animals with backbones).
- Class: A grouping of similar orders, like mammals, birds, etc.
- Order: A grouping of similar families, like primates, carnivores, etc.
- Family: A grouping of similar genera, like canidae (dogs and wolves).
- Genus: A grouping of closely related species, like *Canis* (dogs, wolves, coyotes).
- Species: A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
Defining Key Terms
Let's define the terms from the question:
- Community: A group of different populations of species living and interacting in the same area.
- Genus: A taxonomic rank that groups together closely related species.
- Population: A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area at the same time.
- Species: A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
The Answer
The correct answer is **C. A population**. Here's why:
- A population consists of individuals of the *same* species. This means they can reproduce with each other, leading to a larger number of individuals within that population.
- A community encompasses *multiple* species, so it will likely have a higher number of total organisms, but not necessarily a greater number of members within a single species.
- A genus contains multiple species. While each species may have many individuals, a genus will encompass a larger range of species.
- A species is a group that can interbreed, but its members may be spread across different areas, making the number of individuals in a *given area* smaller than a population.
Example
Imagine a forest. Within that forest, you'll find a community of organisms (trees, squirrels, birds, etc.). Among those organisms, you'll find a population of squirrels (all the squirrels in that area). The squirrels all belong to the same species, and they can reproduce, leading to a large number of squirrels in that particular forest area. The squirrels also belong to the genus *Sciurus*, but that genus includes many species of squirrels, not just the ones in that particular forest.
Conclusion
When considering the number of individuals in a specific area, the population is the most relevant grouping. It focuses on a single species and encompasses all its members within that particular area. This makes a population the group with the most members in a given area.