How would you differentiate population and community?
http://www.answers.com/topic/population
You can count them and come up with a total number.
http://www.answers.com/topic/community
Counting is not necessary; other aspects unite the members of the community.
To differentiate between population and community, you need to understand their definitions and characteristics.
1. Population: A population refers to a group of individuals of the same species that live in the same geographical area and have the potential to interbreed. It focuses on the members of a single species within a specific location. For example, a population of lions in a particular national park or a group of fish in a pond.
To identify and differentiate populations, you can follow these steps:
- Choose a specific species: Select one species and define the area where you want to study them.
- Count the individuals: Determine the number of individuals of that species within the chosen area. This can be done through field surveys, camera trapping, or other sampling methods.
- Analyze the genetic similarity: Assess the genetic similarity among the individuals within the population. This can be done by collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis.
- Assess interbreeding potential: Evaluate if individuals have the capacity to reproduce with one another.
2. Community: A community refers to a group of populations of different species living together and interacting within a particular habitat or ecosystem. It focuses on the interrelationships between different species and their environment. For example, a community in a forest may consist of trees, birds, insects, mammals, and other organisms.
To identify and differentiate communities, you can follow these steps:
- Identify the habitat or ecosystem: Determine the specific area or habitat where you want to study the interrelationships between different species.
- Identify and document species: Compile a list of species present in the selected area, considering plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, etc.
- Observe interactions: Study the interactions between different species, such as predator-prey relationships, symbiotic interactions, competition for resources, and other ecological dynamics.
In summary, populations focus on a single species within a specific area, while communities encompass multiple species interacting within a particular habitat or ecosystem. The identification of populations involves studying the characteristics of a single species, while the identification of communities involves the interactions between different species in a given area.