Final answer:
Population density is measured by comparing the number of individuals in a population with the size of the area they occupy, with Option d. the size of that area being the correct answer. High population density can lead to more crowded conditions, which may have various effects on the health and interactions within a population.
Step-by-step explanation:
Population density is a measure that reflects the average number of people residing within a given unit of area. The correct answer to the question is Option d. the size of that area.
For example, if we consider a population of 100 insects living in an area of 100 square meters, the population density would be 1 insect per square meter. However, if that same population of 100 insects is found within an area of just 1 square meter, the population density increases significantly to 100 insects per square meter. This population would be considered more crowded. High crowding or high population density can affect the health of a population due to increased competition for resources, spread of diseases, and stress on the environment.
Population size alone does not determine population density; rather, it's the number of individuals relative to the area they inhabit. It's important to note that high population density can lead to increased interaction among individuals in a population, which might affect reproduction and survival rates.