Which of the following best describes a population?

A population is best described as a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area. This definition emphasizes the importance of both the species identity and the spatial component, as populations are defined by the interactions, reproduction, and genetic exchange that occur among individuals of the same species within a given environment.

Unlike options that suggest combinations of different species or refer to singular organisms, the focus on individuals of the same species highlights the key aspects of populations, such as dynamics of growth, competition, and social structures that can emerge in a defined area. This is crucial for understanding ecological and evolutionary processes that influence survival and reproduction among organisms.