Final answer:
A biological community is a grouping of interdependent species living and interacting within a certain area, characterized by species richness and interactions such as symbiosis, predation, and competition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Definition of a Biological Community
A biological community is a complex network of interdependent species that coexist and interact within a specific area. This concept encompasses all the populations of different species, inclusive of their variety, known as species richness, and the relationships they share. Species within a biological community can exhibit varying interactions such as symbiosis, predation, and competition.
These interactions are crucial for natural selection and play a significant role in shaping the evolutionary paths of the species involved. Community ecologists focus on understanding the processes driving these interactions and their effects on community structure and dynamics. The characteristics of a community, including its biodiversity and species richness, differ depending on factors like latitude, with the highest species richness typically near the equator.