Answer :

The correct answer is: c. population

1. A population refers to a group of individuals of the same species that live in the same area. These individuals interact with each other, such as by mating and competing for resources like food and shelter.

2. For example, a population of deer living in a forest forms a group of individuals of the same species (deer) living in the same area (the forest). They share the same habitat, reproduce, and compete for resources within that ecosystem.

3. Understanding populations is crucial in ecology and biology to study factors like population growth, dynamics, and interactions within a specific area. By focusing on populations, scientists can analyze the health of a species and its impact on the environment.