Basic unit of ecology is

Options

A. population
B. organism
C. community
D. species

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the basic unit of ecology. To answer this, we need to consider the different levels of organization in ecology.

2. **Defining Key Terms**:
- **Organism**: An individual living entity that can react to stimuli, reproduce, grow, and maintain homeostasis.
- **Population**: A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.
- **Community**: A collection of different populations that live together in a defined area.
- **Ecosystem**: A system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environment.

3. **Identifying the Basic Unit**:
- The most fundamental unit of ecology is the **organism**. It is the smallest unit that can carry out all the processes of life independently.

4. **Hierarchy of Ecological Organization**:
- After the organism, the next level is the **population**, which consists of multiple organisms of the same species.
- Following the population is the **community**, which includes different populations interacting with one another.
- Finally, the **ecosystem** encompasses communities along with their abiotic (non-living) environment.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the definitions and the hierarchy, the basic unit of ecology is the **organism**.

**Final Answer**: The basic unit of ecology is the organism.

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