Final answer:
Geographic factors influence population distribution, such as terrain, climate, resources, and water sources. Population density measures the average number of individuals in a given area.
Step-by-step explanation:
Population distribution refers to how individuals are spread out or distributed throughout a given habitat. It can be influenced by various geographic factors, such as terrain, climate, availability of resources, and proximity to water sources. For example, areas with fertile soil and access to water tend to have higher population densities, while harsh environments like deserts or mountains have lower population densities.
On the other hand, population density is the average number of individuals per unit of area or volume. It is a measurement of how crowded or compact a population is within a specific area. A high population density means there are many individuals living in a small area, whereas a low population density indicates a smaller number of individuals spread across a larger area.
For instance, imagine two populations: 820 insects living in a 1.2-acre area and 560 flowering plants living in a 0.2-acre area. The population density of insects would be 820 individuals divided by 1.2 acres, resulting in a higher density compared to the population density of the plants, which would be 560 individuals divided by 0.2 acres.