All the organisms on your campus make up a. an ecosystem. b. a community. c. a population. d. a taxonomic domain.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key term in the question: 'organisms on your campus'. This refers to all living things in a specific area.
2. Understand the definitions of the options: a) An ecosystem includes all living things and their physical environment in a particular area. b) A community includes all the living organisms in a particular area. c) A population refers to individuals of a specific species living in a particular area. d) A taxonomic domain is a high-level classification of life forms.
3. Analyze the options in relation to the key term: Since the question specifies all organisms, not just those of a single species or their environment, we can eliminate 'a population' and 'an ecosystem'.
4. Further narrow down the options: A taxonomic domain is too broad and unrelated to a specific geographical area, so it can be eliminated.
5. Conclude with the correct answer: The best fit for all organisms in a specific area, without considering the physical environment, is 'a community'.

Key Concepts

Ecosystem

An ecosystem encompasses all living organisms in a particular area, along with their physical environment, interacting as a system. It includes both biotic factors, such as plants and animals, and abiotic factors, like soil and climate. Ecosystems can vary in size and complexity, from a small pond to a vast forest.

Community

A community refers to a group of different species that live together in a specific area and interact with one another. It focuses on the relationships between various organisms, such as competition, predation, and symbiosis. In the context of the question, a community would include all the organisms on campus but not the physical environment.

Population

A population is defined as a group of individuals of the same species that live in a specific area and can interbreed. It emphasizes the dynamics of a single species, including its size, density, and distribution. In the context of the question, a population would refer to a specific species of organism on campus, rather than all organisms collectively.