Population is a term that generally refers to a group of individuals or organisms sharing common characteristics, typically living in the same area or region. In biology, a population is a group of organisms of the same species that interbreed and coexist in a specific location at the same time. In a broader sense, population can also mean the total number of people or inhabitants living in a country, region, or any defined area. Additionally, in statistics, a population is the complete set of data or individuals from which samples are drawn for study and analysis.

Population in Biology

• A population consists of organisms of one species living together in a specific place and time.
• These organisms are capable of interbreeding.
• It is a subset of a species limited to a defined geographic area.

Population in General Use

• Refers to the total number of people inhabiting a country, region, or city.
• Includes native residents, temporarily absent citizens, and certain categories of foreigners in official counts.

Population in Statistics

• The entire group from which data samples are drawn in studies.
• Important for research, sampling, and analysis in various fields.
• A sample is a subset used to represent the whole population.

Thus, "population" contextually depends on the field—biology, demography, or statistics—but essentially relates to a defined group sharing a foundational characteristic or location.