Final answer:
The share of the U.S. population made up by people of Hispanic ancestry is 18.5 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2019 estimate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question about the share of the U.S. population consisting of people of Hispanic ancestry is d. 16.7 percent. However, this figure is not up-to-date. According to the most recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau in 2019, people who self-identify as Hispanic make up approximately 18.5 percent of the total U.S. population. It is important to note that the Hispanic population in the U.S. has been growing rapidly; it doubled between the 1990 and 2000 censuses and has continued to grow since then. This growth has been a result of both increased immigration from Latin America and a higher fertility rate among the Hispanic population compared to the non-Hispanic U.S. population.
Significant portions of the Hispanic population trace their origins to Mexico, Puerto Rico, or Cuba. In certain states, such as California, Hispanics constitute more than one-third of the population, which is 37 percent. This demographic shift has had substantial impacts on various aspects of American life, including the economy, politics, and culture.