How is a population defined in geographical terms?

In geographical terms, a population is defined as all members of a single species in a given area. This definition emphasizes the biological concept of population, which includes groups of individuals that belong to the same species and occupy a specific habitat. This definition is essential for understanding ecological relationships, biodiversity, and the dynamics of species interactions within an environment.

When we look at the other choices, they revolve around different concepts. The average number of people per unit area represents population density, which is a measure of how many people live in a specific area, but it does not define what constitutes a population. A state of economic hardship refers to socio-economic conditions and not to biological or geographical populations. Similarly, a type of natural disaster pertains to events that affect environments and human societies but does not define a population in terms of geographical criteria. Thus, the focus on a single species and its location is what makes the first option the correct definition of population in geography.