What defines a population in biological terms?

A population in biological terms is defined as a group of individuals that belong to the same species and occupy a specific area, where they potentially interbreed and produce offspring. This is why the answer involving individuals mating with one another to produce the next generation is correct.

The interconnectedness of individuals in a population is key; they not only share a habitat but also interact with one another, particularly in terms of reproduction. This reproductive potential is what keeps the population stable and allows it to grow or decline based on various factors such as resource availability and environmental changes.

In contrast, the other options describe scenarios that do not fulfill the criteria for defining a population. While individuals living in the same area may represent a group, if they do not interact or reproduce (as suggested in the other choices), they cannot be classified as a population in the biological sense.