What best defines the term 'ethnicity'?

The term 'ethnicity' is best defined by common ancestry and shared cultural patterns. Ethnicity encompasses a group of people who identify with each other based on shared characteristics such as language, culture, history, and sometimes religion. It often includes elements like traditions, cultural norms, and social behaviors that connect individuals within a specific ethnic group. This shared heritage typically influences how members of that group interact with one another and how they are perceived by those outside the group.

In contrast, the other options, while relevant to human identity, do not encapsulate the essence of ethnicity. Religious affiliations and beliefs pertain specifically to faith and spirituality rather than cultural identity. Geographic locations and traits refer more to physical spaces and population distributions, lacking the cultural aspect that defines ethnicity. Political views and ideologies relate to individual or collective beliefs about governance and societal organization, which can vary widely even within a single ethnic group. Thus, while these elements contribute to a person's identity, they do not specifically define ethnicity.