What is a group of individuals that belong to the same species called?

A group of individuals that belong to the same species is referred to as a population. This term is used in ecology to denote a collection of organisms of the same species living in a specific area at the same time, capable of interbreeding and interacting with one another.

In ecological studies, a population is important because it helps scientists understand the dynamics of species, including growth rates, competition, and interactions with the environment. By studying populations, researchers can assess the health of the species, their reproductive success, and how they adapt to changes in their habitat.

The other terms listed have different meanings. A community refers to all the different species that live together in a particular area, while a biotic group includes all the living components in an ecosystem. Species cluster is not a standard ecological term; while it may imply a group of similar species, it does not specifically refer to individuals of one species. Thus, population is the most accurate term for a group of individuals belonging to the same species.