To determine which option correctly describes the equation for population density, we need to understand what population density means. Population density measures how many individuals are present in a specific unit area. It essentially tells us how crowded a place is.
Let's break down each given option:
1. Number of deaths/population: This would give us a ratio of deaths to the overall population, indicating the mortality rate, not the density of the population. This option is incorrect.
2. Number of individuals/unit area: This measures how many individuals (people, animals, etc.) live in a specific unit area (like per square kilometer or square mile). This directly measures the population density as it tells us how crowded a place is. This option is correct.
3. Number of different species/unit area: This option describes species diversity, which is the variety of different species in a unit area, not the density of a population of a specific species. This option is incorrect.
4. Unit area/population: This would give us the amount of area per individual, which is the exact inverse of population density. While related, it does not define population density as per standard conventions. This option is incorrect.
Therefore, the equation that correctly describes population density is:
Number of individuals/unit area.
