Human Populations

Question 1

List 4 parameters that increase and (or) decrease populations size

Answer 1

Birth (Increase) Immigration (Increase) Death (Decrease) Emigration (Decrease)

Question 2

What is the difference between the exponential and logistic population growth models

Answer 2

Exponential growth assumes that a population will continue to grow indefinitely. (J-shaped) Logistic Population growth assumes that population will cap off at a carrying capacity (S-shaped )

Question 3

What is the current size of the global human population?

Answer 3

Approx. 7.1 billion people

Question 4

The global human population is currently increasing by approximately how many people per year?

Answer 4

80 million people per year

Question 5

How many people has the global human population increased during my life (so far)?

Answer 5

Approx. 2 billion people

Question 6

Assuming I live to the age of 80, what is the increase in the world population?

Answer 6

Approx. 12 billion people

Question 7

Draw a demographic transition diagram. Describe all 4 stages in terms of birth, death, and population growth rates.

Answer 7

Question 8

What factors cause the birth rates to change?

Answer 8

Birth Rate Rise: Power for childbearing women in society, low cost of having children, children give status and security, high infant mortality, religious values Birth Rate Decline: Improved social, educational and economic status; Economic development; Social security & political stability; Contraception; Education on social responsibility; Government initiatives for small families

Question 9

Summarize the significant population trends that are predicted for the future. Identify demographic trends beyond total numbers.

Answer 9

• Massive population gorwth in Under-DCs (47%) - Lesser population growth in DCs (3.5%) - Approx. 12 billion people in 60 years.

Question 10

Define: Sustainable Development (WCED & K.G.)

Answer 10

“Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” -WCED “Changing consumption of resources through behavior and technology to meet the true needs for the present without compromising the ability of future generations, and other species, to meet their needs” - K.G.

Question 11

Draw the Rubric of Sustainability

Answer 11

Question 12

Explain the “IPAT” formula and its usefulness for understanding sustainability of populations on local, regional, and global scales.

Answer 12

Impacts = Population x Affluence x Technology To create change: -Population: decrease population growth -Affluence: do more w/ the same; decrease consumption -Technology: increase efficiency; use greener methods

Question 13

Looking at global human population data since the BC era, which population growth model best fits the human population growth rate?

Answer 13

Exponential growth model

Question 14

Beginning at 10,000 BC, approximately how many years did it take for our population to reach 1 billion people? How many years to add the second billion?

Answer 14

First: 11,500 years Second: 200 years

Question 15

If the number of people added to the human population will be relatively constant for the period of 1965-2025, what population growth model fits best?

Answer 15

Linear growth model

Question 16

What does the age structure of a population tell about the potential for future growth?

Answer 16

If large increases in pre-reproductive and reproductive age groups, there will be momentum in the future population growth.

Question 17

Given that many developing countries have an age structure similar to that of Nigeria, what are the implications of future changes in the global human population?

Answer 17

Much of the population growth in the world will occur in Under-Developed nations where children promote security, social status, and wealth. Also, little birth control.

Question 18

Considering the rubric of sustainability, how can this be used to discuss tradeoffs associated with different approaches or technologies related to energy, food production, electronics, or another area of modern life?

Answer 18

Consider renewable energy… The reason energy producers are not using solar panels to produce electricity is because they are expensive (Economy). Although it is cleaner for the air then burning coal (Environment), it would require a complete shift in all nations away from coal and oil (Community). Since not every country is willing to do this, we all are stuck with coal in order that power companies keep their prices competitive in the markets.

Question 19

Has the concept of Carrying Capacity applied to humans in the past?

Answer 19

Yes it has, but only for short intervals of time. Every time a development is made in the area of technology, populations resume their previous growth pattern.

Question 20

What changes in population growth parameters and social factors must occur in order for the human population to stabilize? What is this likelihood?

Answer 20

Decrease birth rate: economic growth, education, birth control, government regulations Increase death rate: famine, disease

Question 21

What are the main views of Malthus, Ehrlich, and Simon on human population growth? Strengths? Weaknesses?

Answer 21

Thomas Malthus: Paved way for Darwin in saying that populations grow rapidly and out of control. Julian Simon: Supports “Zero Population Growth. States that without measures to prevent growth in birth rates, something will occur to drastically increase the death rates. Paul Ehrlich: States that as populations growth, technological innovations in food and energy production grow likewise. Claim based on steady increase in Standard of Living throughout the past.

Question 22

Do you agree with Simon and/or Ehrlich? Why?

Answer 22

I fall in between. I realize that we should be cautious of excessive births, especially if we are without the means to care for that child. I believe it is socially irresponsible to have a child one cannot support. On the same note, I agree with Ehrlich in that we have always found ways to increase the standard of living for the masses. While I am not a secular humanist, I believe God will enable humans to do what is necessary to sustain a growing population.

Question 23

Does the concept of Carrying Capacity apply to humans now or might it in the future?

Answer 23

I believe it applies now in certain areas of the world where there is a lack of resources. When people die because of lack in food and water, the death rates rise. Once this rise reaches the birth rate, the concept of carrying capacity will kick in. In addition, I believe this will carry forward into the future, especially as it becomes harder and harder to create food for an every growing population.

Question 24

Are there any signs from the environment suggesting that we might be approaching or perhaps have exceeded our carrying capacity?

Answer 24

When we hear of starvation, famine, etc, I believe this is a sign. Also, when we realize that the reserves of non-renewable energy resources such as oil and gas is diminishing, it further suggests that we may be approaching the carrying capacity.

Question 25

Should we see humans as members of the land community/biosphere (Aldo Leopold) or separate from the rest of creation?

Answer 25

God created us to be on this earth and to care for it. I see humans as above the creation, but therefore, with greater responsibility to care for it. Therefore, I believe we are members of the land community and biosphere and efforts to preserve it. I believe that on Judgement Day, we will be held responsible for how we cared for the earth, just as we will be responsible for how we cared for each-other.