Which of the following defines a population in biological terms?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 2 Biology test with genetics modules. Study with interactive quizzes and insightful explanations to boost your exam readiness. Excel in your assessment with confidence and clarity!

In biological terms, a population is defined as a group of individuals of the same species that live in a particular area and can interbreed. This definition emphasizes both the species' uniformity and the geographical aspect, highlighting that members of a population share a gene pool and can contribute to the reproduction process within that space.

The concept of a population plays a crucial role in ecology and evolution, influencing dynamics such as genetic diversity, natural selection, and adaptation. While other options mention similarities or differences among species or ecosystems, they do not capture the essential aspects of what constitutes a population—namely, the same species residing in a specific area capable of interbreeding. This characteristic allows populations to evolve over time while maintaining distinct genetic and phenotypic traits.

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