The hypergeometric distribution is a discrete probability distribution that describes the likelihood of obtaining a specific number of successes in a sample drawn without replacement from a finite population. Unlike the binomial distribution, where the probability of success remains constant, the hypergeometric distribution accounts for the changing probabilities as items are drawn. This distribution is particularly useful in scenarios such as card games or quality control, where the composition of the population affects the outcomes. Understanding the hypergeometric distribution allows data scientists to model situations where sampling without replacement is crucial for accurate probability calculations.