Final answer:
The correct term for how individuals are spread over their habitat is 'population distribution,' which can be random, clumped, or uniform based on species behaviors and environmental resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The human population distribution is unevenly spread over the surface of the Earth. Population distribution refers to how the individuals in a population are arrayed over the area they inhabit. There are different patterns of population distribution, such as random, clumped, and uniform, which reflect important aspects of the biology of the species. For instance, plants with wind-dispersed seeds like dandelions exhibit a random distribution, while animals that live in social groups, like elephants, tend to show a clumped distribution. In contrast, territorial animals such as penguins are an example of a uniform dispersal pattern, where they maintain equally spaced apart territories.
Population distribution is influenced by various factors, including resources availability, social behaviors, and adaptations. It's crucial to consider these factors, as the Earth's carrying capacity and the ecological footprint are critical in understanding the sustainability of human population growth.