Final answer:
A population is a group of the same species living and interacting in a specific area. Scientists study population size, density, and dynamics to understand its health and stability.
Step-by-step explanation:
A population is a term used to describe a group of organisms of the same species that live in the same area and interact with each other. This interaction is key for their survival and reproduction, contributing to the genetic pool of the species. Ecologists and scientists study populations to understand factors such as population size, population density, and how populations change over time due to various environmental and biological factors.
Detailed characteristics, such as the number of individuals (population size) and the number of individuals per unit area (population density), are crucial in the study of populations. Population dynamics are influenced by events like seasonal changes, natural disasters, and intra- and interspecific competition. Demography, the statistical study of populations, applies mathematical tools to analyze population changes and characteristics.