What does the term 'population' refer to in biology?

The term 'population' in biology specifically refers to all individuals of the same species that live within a defined geographical area. This definition encompasses not only the number of individuals but also their interactions with each other and their environment.

By focusing on a single species that occupies a specific space, this concept allows for the study of various ecological dynamics, such as population growth, interactions between organisms, and responses to environmental changes. Populations serve as fundamental units for understanding evolutionary processes, species interactions, and ecosystem functions.

Other concepts might describe different biological or ecological groupings, such as communities or ecosystems, but defining a population strictly in terms of individuals of the same species keeps the focus clear and applicable in studies of biology.