What is the Difference Between Species and Population?

The difference between species and population lies in their definitions and the scope of their organization.

• Species: A species is a group of organisms that are genetically similar or related to each other and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. Species is a smaller scale of organization, representing a unique type of organism in the entire biosphere.
• Population: A population is a group of individuals of the same species that live in the same geographic area and interbreed with each other. It comprises all the organisms of a given species in a particular region at a particular time. Populations can differ in their characteristics, such as eye color, hair color, height, and complexion, due to genetic variations among themselves.

In summary, a species refers to a group of organisms that are genetically similar and can interbreed, while a population is a group of individuals of the same species living in the same geographic area and interbreeding with each other.

Comparative Table: Species vs Population

The main difference between a species and a population is that a species is a group of organisms that share common characteristics and can interbreed, while a population is a group of individuals of the same species living in the same area. Here is a table summarizing the differences between species and population:

Population ecology is the study of numbers and rates in a population and how they change over time. Life tables are a common tool used to study age-specific population fecundity and mortality, which can be critical in conservation efforts and understanding population dynamics.