In population sampling, which statement best distinguishes a population from a sample?

• A. A population includes only individuals measured directly, while a sample includes individuals not measured.
• B. A population is a subset selected for study, while a sample is the entire group of interest.
• C. A population is the entire group of interest, while a sample is a subset of that group selected for study.
• D. A population refers only to organisms in one location, while a sample refers to organisms across multiple locations.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of a population in biology: it refers to the entire group of individuals or organisms of a particular species that live in a specific area or are the focus of a study.
2. Understand the definition of a sample: it is a subset of the population, meaning a smaller group selected from the population to represent it in a study.
3. Recognize that the purpose of sampling is to make inferences about the whole population without having to study every individual, which is often impractical or impossible.
4. Compare the given statements by checking which one correctly identifies the population as the entire group and the sample as a subset selected for study.
5. Conclude that the correct distinction is: 'A population is the entire group of interest, while a sample is a subset of that group selected for study.'