A microbial population can be identified based on many characteristics, such as: morphology, cell arrangement, reproduction, growth, metabolism, pathogenesis and genetic properties. There may be many approaches to classifying and organizing a microbial population. On the other hand, a microbial community is defined as a group of microorganisms that live in the same space. This is not limited to the same types of microorganisms. In other words, in a microbial community the populations of that community may interact in may ways, for example, as predators, preys, or they may even be in symbiosis. A microbial community can be seen as smaller than a microbial population. Due to this specific distinction, microbial populations are more easily manipulated for research purposes.
Citations:
https://www.britannica.com/science/microbiology
