Community

Definition

A community in biology is a group of interacting species living in the same area. These interactions can include predation, competition, and mutualism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Communities are defined by the different species that inhabit them and their interactions.
2. The structure of a community is determined by factors such as species diversity, abundance, and trophic levels.
3. Community dynamics can change over time due to environmental disturbances or successional processes.
4. Ecologists study communities to understand how species coexist and influence each other’s populations.
5. Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the structure and health of a community.

Review Questions

• What factors determine the structure of a biological community?
• How do ecologists study the interactions within a community?
• Why are keystone species important in a community?

Related terms

Ecosystem: An ecosystem includes all living organisms in an area interacting with their physical environment.

Population: A population is a group of individuals of the same species living in the same geographic area.

Biodiversity: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life and its processes, including genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.