IGCSE Biology glossary
Community
Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Definition
All the populations of different species living and interacting in the same area at the same time. A community includes all the plants, animals, fungi, bacteria and other organisms in a defined habitat.
What to include in an exam answer
Community = all species. Population = one species. An ecosystem = community + abiotic environment. These definitions are frequently tested and must be precise.
Example in context
Distinguish between a population and a community (2 marks): A population is all the organisms of one species in an area. A community is all the populations of different species living in the same area at the same time.
Related syllabus topic
Organisms & their environment