Final answer:
Physiological population density is considered a superior measure because it relates to the number of people per unit of arable land, which better indicates the potential pressure on land that can sustain human life and agriculture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Physiological population density is viewed as a superior measure of population density for several reasons, particularly because it reflects the number of people per unit of arable land, which is land suitable for agriculture. This measure provides a more accurate representation of the potential pressure on productive land and how densely a population is actually concentrated in areas where it can sustainably live and grow food.
The concept of population density relates to both population size and the population density itself - the number of individuals within a given area or volume. Especially in evaluating human populations, physiological density provides a more refined understanding than simply the total population size or the crude population density (total number divided by the total land area).
For instance, a country with a large area but limited arable land might have a low crude population density, but a high physiological population density, indicating greater potential for overuse of the land and competition for resources. Conversely, a country with extensive arable land might have a moderate to high crude density but a lower physiological density, suggesting that the land is able to adequately support its inhabitants.