Community, Population and Species

Levels in an ecosystem

When scientists discuss an ecosystem, they can also describe the biotic (living) organisation at different levels from large to small: 

community, population and individual. 

COMMUNITY

A group of different organisms that live in the same area. For example, a community that is found on the Brisbane River consists of mangrove trees, which provide shelter for the young and adults of many fish species. They also provide roosting and feeding opportunities for birds and bats. Their root network provides a habitat for crabs, snails, worms and insects.

POPULATION

A group of the same species of an organism living in the same area. Their total number is called their abundance. For example, there is a population of the brush-tailed phascogale living in Brisbane Forest Park.

INDIVIDUAL

One living organism.

                             A SUMMARY TABLE!

Level                              Description                               Example

Individual             One single organism                       One zebra

Population         Group of same species          All zebras in a national park

Community        All populations of 

                            different species                       Zebras, lions, gazelles & trees 

CHALLENGE!

Consider the Daintree rainforest. Propose a community, population and individual that would be found in that habitat.

Can you do the same for another ecosystem that might be considered the opposite of the Daintree rainforest?