In a general sense, "population" refers to a group of individuals of the same species that live in a specific area at a given time. It can be used in various contexts, including:
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Biology/Ecology: In ecology, a population refers to a group of organisms of the same species that inhabit a particular region and interact with one another.
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Human Geography/Demographics: In human studies, population often refers to the total number of people living in a certain area, such as a city, country, or continent. It can also encompass aspects like age, gender, ethnicity, and other demographic characteristics.
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Statistics: In statistics, a population is the entire pool from which a statistical sample is drawn. It can include any number of items or individuals relevant to a particular study or analysis.
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Sociology: In sociology, population can refer to a group of people who share common characteristics or are studied for research purposes, often focusing on social behaviors and structures.
Overall, the definition of "population" can vary based on the context in which it is used.