Final answer:
The term that refers to social traits such as cultural background or allegiance shared by a human population is 'ethnicity'. It includes shared culture, language, religion, and traditions, differentiating it from the concept of race which refers to physical differences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The social traits such as cultural background or allegiance shared by a human population are referred to as ethnicity. Ethnicity encompasses the shared culture of a group, which includes practices, norms, values, and beliefs. This might include shared language, religion, and traditions, among other commonalities. Unlike race, which often refers to physical differences that society deems important, ethnicity is based on those cultural commonalities and resonates strongly with individuals. Furthermore, it's important to consider how the dominant ethnic group in a country can influence political socialization and perceptions of government and society.
Ethnicity and culture help us understand the driving forces behind a country's dynamics and how populations interact with each other. Despite the complexity in its definition and the potential for people to self-identify in multiple ways, ethnicity continues to be an important identification method used in censuses, diversity initiatives, laws, and interpersonal relations. Thus, in referencing social traits shared by a human population, the term ethnicity is the most appropriate answer.