Chapter 8: Population Flashcards
Exponential Growth
when the growth rate of a population increases rapidly over time
Population
All the organisms of one species living in a defined area
Lag phase
The period of time in population growth when an organism is adapting to its new environment and growth is slow
Log Growth
When the growth rate of a population increases rapidly over time
Stationary phase
When the growth of a population has slowed to zero
Carrying capacity
the maximum size of a population over an environment can support in terms of food, water, and other resources
birth rate
the total number of live births over time
death rate
the total number of deaths over time
rate of natural increase
The birth rate minus the death rate. Usually calculated as a percentage
Migration
The movement of people into (immigration) or out of (emigration) a region, country, or other area
Push/Pull factors
Density
The number of people living in a population in a defined area
density = population/land area
Distribution
Where populations of people either do or do not live
Population pyramid
a diagram that shows the proportion of the population that is male and female in different age groups (usually 5 year intervals)
Age pyramid
a diagram that shows the proportion of the population that is male AND/OR female in different age groups (usually 5 year intervals)
Dependent
those people in the population who are not working and rely on others who are working for their needs
Independent
those people in the population who are working
Family Planning
Methods used by a couple to decide when and how many children to have, may be practised by couples and encouraged by governments (e.g. China’s one-child policy)
Contraception
a range of methods to prevent pregnancy
Pronatalist Policy
A national or regional policy that aims to encourage couples to have children (when population is declining)
Antinatalist Policy
A national or regional policy that aims to discourage couples from having children (when the population is getting too large)
