Final answer:
In the context of the group being studied, 'population' refers to the total number of individuals of the same species living and interacting in the same area. It encompasses the demographic study of the species including population size, density, and dynamics over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'population' in the context of the group being studied refers to the total number of individuals in the group. Specifically, a population is a group of organisms of the same species, all living in the same area and interacting with each other. It is not just the number of organisms, but also includes the understanding of how the population fits into the larger ecosystem, how it changes over time, and the characteristics of its members. In biology, studying populations involves measuring population size, population density, dispersion patterns, age structures, and sex ratios, and these aspects can influence factors like birth and death rates within a population.
Ecologists use the concept of population to study the dynamics of organisms in a given habitat, looking at how populations grow, shrink, and evolve over time. The study of these changes is known as demography, which can provide insights into the health and stability of a population as well as its potential for adaptation and survival.