Final answer:
Population characteristics like age, gender, ethnicity, employment, and income are referred to as demographics, which are essential for analyzing population dynamics and socioeconomic conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of a population such as age, gender, ethnicity, employment, and income are described by demographics. Demographics are crucial for understanding population dynamics and the statistical study of population changes over time, including birth rates, death rates, and life expectancies. These demographic factors can profoundly influence socioeconomic conditions, as they impact factors like the labor market, consumption patterns, and the distribution of resources within a community or nation.