Final answer:
A community is a group of interacting species that occur together at the same place and time, which includes all populations of different species that interact in an area. The study of these interactions within habitats is a critical aspect of ecology, helping to understand species diversity and population dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
A group of interacting species that occur together at the same place and time is known as a community. A community encompasses all of the populations of different species that live in the same area and interact with one another, including all of the biotic factors of an area. Predation, herbivory, and competition for resources are some of the interactions that may occur between these species.
The concept of a community is fundamental in ecology, especially when we consider the diversity of species within a specific habitat. For instance, while areas such as the glaciers of Antarctica have low species diversity, they harbor a variety of living organisms, contrasting with the high diversity found in tropical rainforests which host a multitude of species that may even be unaccounted for due to their vastness.
Population ecology is a branch that further investigates how populations of the same species interact within a community, compete for resources, and respond to environmental changes.