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Multiple Choice
You are studying a population of wild coyotes in a grassland ecosystem. Which of the following best describes the term 'population' in this context?
A
All animal species living in the grassland ecosystem
B
All coyotes and wolves living in the grassland ecosystem
C
All coyotes that have ever lived in the grassland ecosystem
D
All coyotes living in the grassland ecosystem at the same time
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the biological definition of 'population.' In biology, a population refers to a group of individuals of the same species that live in the same area at the same time and are capable of interbreeding.
Step 2: Analyze the options provided. The first option, 'All animal species living in the grassland ecosystem,' refers to a community, not a population, because it includes multiple species.
Step 3: The second option, 'All coyotes and wolves living in the grassland ecosystem,' is incorrect because it includes two different species, which does not fit the definition of a population.
Step 4: The third option, 'All coyotes that have ever lived in the grassland ecosystem,' is incorrect because it refers to all coyotes across time, not those living in the same area at the same time.
Step 5: The correct answer is the fourth option, 'All coyotes living in the grassland ecosystem at the same time,' as it aligns with the biological definition of a population.