In population sampling, what is the key difference between a population and a sample?

• A. A population is a subset chosen for measurement, while a sample includes every individual in the study area.
• B. A population is the entire group of individuals of interest, while a sample is a subset of that population used to make inferences.
• C. A population refers only to individuals that are measured directly, while a sample refers to the unmeasured individuals.
• D. A population is always smaller than a sample because it includes only one species, while a sample can include many species.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of a population in biology. A population refers to the entire group of individuals of a particular species that live in a specific area and are the focus of a study.
2. Step 2: Understand the definition of a sample. A sample is a smaller subset of individuals selected from the population, which is used to gather data and make inferences about the whole population.
3. Step 3: Recognize that the key difference lies in their scope: the population includes all individuals of interest, while the sample includes only some individuals chosen for measurement or observation.
4. Step 4: Note that samples are used because it is often impractical or impossible to study every individual in a population, so samples provide a manageable way to estimate population characteristics.
5. Step 5: Summarize that the correct distinction is that a population is the entire group under study, and a sample is a subset of that group used to draw conclusions about the population.