Question

A group of several species living together with mutual tolerance in a natural area is called as-

• A. Fraternity
• B. Community
• C. Sodality
• D. Parity

Hint:

To easily remember ecological hierarchies:
1. Population = Single species.
2. Community = Multiple species (biotic only).
3. Ecosystem = Community + Abiotic (physical) factors.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In ecology, biological organization is categorized into several hierarchical levels:
Individual \(\rightarrow\) Population \(\rightarrow\) Community \(\rightarrow\) Ecosystem \(\rightarrow\) Biosphere.
A population refers to a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.
When multiple populations of different species live together in the same area and interact with each other, they form a biological unit.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
An ecological community represents an association of populations of two or more different species coexisting in the same geographic area at the same time.
The term "mutual tolerance" in the question points to the cohabitation and functional relationships (such as symbiosis, competition, and predation) that allow distinct species to reside together in a shared natural environment.
Thus, the correct ecological designation is a community.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The group of several species coexisting together with mutual tolerance is called a Community.