What does the term 'individual' refer to in a biological context?

In a biological context, the term 'individual' refers specifically to a single organism. This definition focuses on the distinct, separate existence of a living entity, whether it’s an animal, plant, fungi, or microorganism. Each individual is characterized by its unique genetic makeup and physiological characteristics that distinguish it from other organisms.

Understanding the concept of an individual as a single organism is significant in various biological studies, including ecology, genetics, and evolutionary biology, where the behavior, health, and survival of individual organisms can have profound implications for populations and ecosystems.

The other terms related to a group of organisms, an environment, or a biological process, while relevant in biology, do not accurately capture the essence of what an individual is. The emphasis here is on individuality, which is central to the study of life sciences.