Difference Between Species, Population And Community: Introduction & Explanation

The ecosystem has been defined as a system that consists of all the living organisms and the environment in which they interact with one another. Highly controlled by the biotic and abiotic components, they help in the breaking down of organic compounds thereby helping in the exchange of energy. The nutrient cycle and the energy flow links are major functions of an ecosystem. Species, populations, and communities are the different levels falling under an ecosystem. They maintain the cycle of minerals through the biosphere and help in homeostasis. It is because of ecosystems that there is a balance in the energy flow between different food chains. Let us study in detail the ecosystem, its function, and the different levels it is made of. 

Also Read: Reproductive Health

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What is an Ecosystem?

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An ecosystem refers to all the organisms and the environment in which they exist and interact. It includes all the biotic as well as abiotic components that survive on energy by the process of photosynthesis. The term was first coined in a publication by British ecologist Arthur Tansley in 1935. 

Internal and external factors are known to regulate ecosystems to a great extent. Climate, nature of the soil, and topography shape the structure of any ecosystem. They are themselves not influenced by the ecosystem. Internal factors include decomposition, shading, succession, root competition, and evolution. They control the ecosystem and are also controlled by it. 

The ecosystem is responsible for the cycle of nutrients and supporting life on earth. It provides stability to the biotic and abiotic components present and also maintains a balance between the different trophic levels.

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Importance of Ecosystem 

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We are highly dependent on the ecosystem to sustain life on earth. Mentioned below are the key points defining why we need it. 

1. An ecosystem is necessary for controlling and monitoring the flow of energy, supporting life, and providing stability. 
2. It helps in the absorption of nutrients between the biotic and abiotic components.
3. The ecosystem plays an important role in maintaining a balance between the different trophic levels.
4. Apart from the cycle of nutrients, it also recycles minerals and produces organic compounds.
5. It is the primary source of food, medicines, and water for all living organisms. It also has a considerable contribution to renewable and non-renewable sources of energy. 

Also read: Difference Between Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources

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Levels of Ecology 

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The ecological levels are divided into six primary stages. We are going to focus on the three main stages here below.

1. Species/Individual

Species make up the whole level one of the processes. They are made up of populations. These are a group of individuals who are related to each other in a genetic manner. They have the ability to breed and give rise to offspring of their own kind. The best example of species is Homo Sapiens, where Sapiens happens to be our species name. 

The number of populations found in a species depends on how widespread and diverse it is. The measure of the geographic area also plays an important role here. Some species are restricted to a small area whereas others are distributed over bigger areas. In the case where they are subjected to a limited area, they are vulnerable. What happens to one group, slowly starts happening to others. If not controlled, they are eventually lost and become extinct.

2. Population

Population denotes the organisms belonging to the same species, in the same area, which interact with each other in a given environment. This is level two in the ecological cycle. The size of the area which they inhabit varies from place to place. For example, we humans have taken up our places in cities, states, and countries. We can also talk about special types of reefs and corals found only in the Great Barrier Reef found in Australia. There are genetic variations present in a population. 

The population of a given place at a given time is affected by two things entirely. These are,

• Biotic components
• Abiotic components

3. Community 

Community refers to all the populations of different species in a particular area, and at a particular period of time. The different minds of organisms living in this biotic community interact with each other in the same environment. We focus on organisms in a given area because there are different individuals involved. 

Every population consists of species interacting with their own species and also with individuals belonging to another species. The nature of a community can be identified by, 

• Nature of every population
• Range of every population 
• Type of area in which the populations reside in
• Diversity of species 
• Interaction taking place between different populations in that area

The environment plays a very crucial role here. Only those organisms are able to survive who adapt themselves according to the changes in the environment they are in. The environment is determined by the climate of that place. It is the climate that decides the environment is luscious or dry. 

There are manmade communities like the lawns, crops, and agricultural fields which occur due to the efforts and care of humans. They require a constant watch and are very insatiable in nature. On the other hand, naturally occurring communities like the tropical evergreen forest in the North East, thrive due to the sun’s energy and are independent of the nutrients of nearby communities. 

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Difference between Species, Population, and Community

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The main point of difference is said to be the size of the organization. For example, species refers to a smaller scale of organizations that is genetically related to each other. On the other hand, population refers to groups of similar species occurring on a much larger scale of organization 

It can also be said that the organisms belonging to the same species interact with each other by forming groups. They are restricted to a particular environment and contribute to the level of the population. On the other hand, the total population in any given area forms the community. A population has groups belonging to the same species whereas a community consists of groups of different species. Community is much larger than the population in the ecological organization. 

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Things to Remember 

• Ecosystem refers to all the organisms which interact with one another in a given environment, and at a particular time. They are controlled by many internal and external factors. 
• We are highly dependent on the ecosystem for the energy flow which takes place between the biotic and abiotic components. It also serves a great contribution in the absorption of nutrients and minerals so as to accelerate plant life. 
• There are six major levels of the ecosystem. These are named as individual, population, species, community, ecosystem, and biosphere. Each of them plays a major part in sustaining life on earth.
• Population refers to organisms that belong to the same species and interact with each other in the same environment. Species are individuals which are genetically related to each other and create offspring. Community refers to all the populations given at a particular place.
• The demographic size is said to be the major difference between species and population. Species are constricted whereas population takes up a larger space.