Which term describes an association of individuals of different species living in the same habitat and having functional interactions?

Biotic community

The correct answer is (b) Biotic community.

A biotic community refers to a group of different species living together in the same habitat and interacting with one another. These interactions can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral, and they play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics and stability of the community. The organisms in a biotic community rely on each other for resources such as food, shelter, and protection, and their interactions can include predation, competition, mutualism, and symbiosis. Overall, the concept of a biotic community emphasizes the interdependence and interconnectedness of organisms within a specific habitat.

(a) Ecological niche: An ecological niche refers to the role and position that a species occupies within an ecosystem. It includes the specific interactions and adaptations of a species to its environment, such as its habitat preferences, feeding habits, and reproductive strategies.

(c) Ecosystem: An ecosystem refers to a community of organisms (biotic components) interacting with their physical environment (abiotic components) in a specific area. It includes both living organisms and their physical surroundings, such as soil, water, and climate. While a biotic community is a part of an ecosystem, an ecosystem is a broader concept that encompasses the interactions between all living and non-living components within a specific area.

(d) Population: A population refers to a group of individuals of the same species living in the same area and potentially interacting with one another. It focuses on individuals of the same species rather than individuals of different species. A population is a more specific term compared to a biotic community, as it specifically refers to individuals of the same species.

Overall, while all the options are related to the study of interactions among organisms and their environment, the most suitable answer for the given statement is (b) biotic community, as it specifically refers to a group of individuals of different species living together in the same habitat and having functional interactions.