Species populations refer to groups of individuals belonging to the same species that live in a specific area. These populations can vary in size, density, and distribution, influenced by factors such as food availability, habitat conditions, and predation. Understanding species populations is crucial for conservation efforts and ecosystem management. Monitoring species populations helps scientists track changes over time, which can indicate the health of an ecosystem. For example, a decline in the population of a species like the polar bear may signal environmental issues, such as climate change affecting their Arctic habitat.