Which term refers to a settlement that is inhabited by humans?

The term that best describes a settlement inhabited by humans is "Human Settlement." This phrase encompasses any area where people live and interact, highlighting the presence and activities of human beings in a specific geographical space. It can include a variety of settings, from small villages to large cities, and emphasizes the relationship between humans and their environment.

Other choices, while related to human habitation, have narrower definitions. An "Urban Area" typically refers to areas with high population density and built-up infrastructure, often associated with city structures and amenities, but does not cover rural or less densely populated communities. A "Residential Community" implies a specific neighborhood designed primarily for living, often with residential buildings, but it does not encompass areas of varied use such as commercial or industrial zones. "Metropolitan Zone" usually refers to a larger area that may include urban centers and surrounding suburbs, indicating a more complex structure of population and land use, and again, it does not universally define all human settlements.

Thus, "Human Settlement" is the most inclusive and accurate term to describe any area where people reside.