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CAPE Environmental Science > Module 2 > Flashcards

Module 2 Flashcards

1
Q

What is acclimatisation?

A

A short-term, reversible physiological response to a change in environmental conditions.

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2
Q

How do humans adapt to extreme physical environments?

A

Through behavioral strategies (e.g., protective clothing,
shelters
adjusting outdoor activity times) and physiological changes (e.g., increased lung capacity at high altitudes).
People living in Arctic environments
tend to be smaller and shorter, to avoid heat loss from their bodies as much
as possible, compared with taller, leaner people in tropical environments.

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3
Q

How has technology enabled humans to survive in harsh environments?

A

By allowing control of indoor temperature, construction of shelters, and even simulating natural outdoor conditions (e.g., gym equipment mimicking running routes).

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4
Q

What is the difference between acclimatisation and adaptation?

A

Acclimatisation is a short-term physiological adjustment, whereas adaptation refers to long-term, generational changes in a population.

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5
Q

How do human populations modify their environment to meet their needs?

A

Through practices like agriculture (e.g., slash-and-burn, irrigation), urban development, and altering natural systems to enhance resource availability.

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6
Q

What are ecosystem services?

A

The benefits provided by natural systems, including climate regulation, water supply, nutrient cycling, population control, genetic resources, and recreational opportunities.

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7
Q

How do ecosystems regulate the climate?

A

By storing and exchanging heat, sequestering CO₂, and influencing local and global precipitation patterns.

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8
Q

In what ways do ecosystems provide a consistent water supply?

A

Through storage and movement of freshwater in watersheds, reservoirs, and aquifers, ensuring ongoing availability.

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9
Q

What is the role of nutrient cycling in ecosystems?

A

Recycling essential elements (like nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon) so they remain available for plant and animal growth.

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10
Q

How do ecosystems regulate populations?

A

Via predator–prey interactions, disease, and competition that keep species numbers in balance.

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11
Q

What are genetic resources, and why are they important?

A

They are the genetic materials found in nature that serve as raw material for crops, medicines, and other products.

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12
Q

How do recreational services provided by ecosystems benefit humans?

A

They offer opportunities for leisure activities such as hiking, fishing, and beach-going, which enhance quality of life.

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13
Q

Why are ecosystem services often undervalued until they’re disrupted?

A

Their benefits are invisible in everyday economics until degradation causes noticeable economic sometimes social costs.

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14
Q

How do favorable abiotic conditions influence human settlement?

A

Areas with flat, fertile land and reliable water sources (like alluvial or coastal lowlands) tend to have higher population densities.

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15
Q

How can biotic factors influence where people settle?

A

The presence of disease vectors (e.g., mosquitoes, tsetse flies) or abundant natural resources can either deter or attract settlement.

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16
Q

What is a population pyramid?

A

A graphical representation showing the age and sex distribution of a population with males on one side and females on the other.

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17
Q

What does a wide base on a population pyramid indicate?

A

A high birth rate and rapid population growth.

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18
Q

What is the dependency ratio?

A

The ratio of the non-working (either too young or ) to the working-age population.

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19
Q

The median age is

A

the age that divides a population into two equal groups, with half the people being younger than that age and half being older.

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20
Q

How is the median age of a population used?

A

It divides the population in half and indicates whether a population is relatively young or aging.

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21
Q

What can asymmetrical population pyramids reveal?

A

Gender imbalances due to factors such as war, migration, or cultural practices.

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22
Q

What does the fertility rate measure?

A

The average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years.

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23
Q

What is the replacement fertility rate?

A

Typically around 2.1 children per woman—the level needed to maintain a stable population.

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24
Q

What is the replacement fertility rate?

A

is the average number of births needed for a population to replace itself from one generation to the next, without considering migration.

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25
How does the crude birth rate differ from the fertility rate?
The crude birth rate is the number of live births per 1,000 people in the total population, whereas the fertility rate focuses on women of reproductive age.
26
What is the crude death rate?
The number of deaths per 1,000 people in a population per year.
27
Define infant mortality rate.
The number of infants who die before reaching one year of age per 1,000 live births.
28
How do lifespan and life expectancy differ?
Lifespan is the maximum potential age, while life expectancy is the average age a person is expected to live under current conditions.
29
What is the Demographic Transition Model?
A model that describes the transition from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as a country develops economically.
30
How do fertility and mortality rates together affect population growth?
High fertility with low mortality leads to rapid growth, while low fertility and/or high mortality slow or reduce growth.
31
What is immigration?
The movement of people into a country, increasing its population.
32
What is emigration?
The movement of people out of a country, which can lead to a loss of human capital.
33
How can immigration benefit a receiving country?
It can boost the labor force, diversify the culture, and stimulate economic growth.
34
What is meant by “brain drain”?
The emigration of highly educated or skilled individuals from a country, often reducing its developmental potential.
35
How is net migration defined?
The difference between the number of immigrants and emigrants, usually expressed per 1,000 population.
36
What is doubling time in demographic studies?
The period required for a population to double in size based on its current growth rate.
37
How do you calculate population growth rate?
By taking the difference between births and deaths (plus or minus net migration) divided by the total population, often expressed as a percentage.
38
What does percentage population change indicate?
The relative increase or decrease in population over a specified period.
39
LEDCs MEDCs
LEDC stands for less economically developed country. MEDC stands for more economically developed country.
40
When was the world population first recorded at 1 billion?
in 1804.
41
How has the time required to add each successive billion people changed over history?
It has decreased significantly, showing accelerating population growth.
42
What is the projected global population by 2050?
Projections range from about 9 to 12 billion people.
43
How do population pyramids of developing countries typically differ from those of developed countries?
Developing countries usually have wide bases (high birth rates) more ppl dying and a high proportion of young people, while developed countries often have narrower bases and a larger elderly segment.
44
In what ways do cultural factors influence population growth?
Norms regarding marriage, family size, and gender roles can affect fertility rates and overall demographic trends. or social, environmental factors like WAR e.g. Sudan
45
what does the population pyramid look like?
A population pyramid is a graphical representation that displays the distribution of ages and genders within a population, often resembling a pyramid shape with males on the left and females on the right, and age groups stacked vertically (y-axis) 0-100(100 being on top).
46
How does early marriage impact fertility rates?
Early marriage extends the reproductive period, often leading to larger family sizes.
47
Why might child labor influence family size in some societies?
In agrarian economies, children contribute economically, making larger families more beneficial.
48
How can religious beliefs affect population growth?
They may discourage contraception and promote larger families, as seen in some predominantly Catholic countries.
49
What is the effect of women’s education on fertility rates?
Higher education levels typically delay marriage and childbirth, resulting in lower fertility rates.
50
How do economic factors influence family size?
In poorer societies, children can be economic assets; in wealthier societies, the higher cost of raising children tends to lower fertility rates.
51
What is the impact of pension schemes on population growth?
In countries with limited social security, families may have more children to provide support in old age.
52
How does the cost of raising children differ between affluent and developing societies?
Affluent societies face higher child-rearing costs (education, healthcare), often leading to smaller family sizes.
53
What is population control?
Policies and strategies designed to limit or encourage population growth.
54
What are anti-natalist policies?
Measures aimed at reducing population growth, such as restrictions on the number of children per family.
55
What are pro-natalist policies?
Incentives provided by governments to encourage larger family sizes and increase population growth.
56
How do direct population control measures function?
By enforcing specific rules or laws (e.g., China’s one-child policy) that directly limit fertility.
57
Give an example of a direct population control measure.
China’s former one-child policy.
58
How can indirect population control measures influence growth?
Through improvements in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities that lead to voluntary fertility declines.
59
What are some consequences of strict anti-natalist policies?
They may lead to gender imbalances, increased dependency ratios, and social tensions.
60
How do population control policies differ in developed versus developing countries?
Developed countries may adopt pro-natalist measures to counteract aging, while developing countries often use anti-natalist measures to manage rapid growth.
61
What impact does migration have on the age and sex structure of a population?
Migration can alter the balance by increasing the number of young, economically active individuals or by causing a “brain drain” in sending regions.
62
How is a population pyramid constructed?
By graphing age groups on the vertical axis and the number (or percentage) of males and females on opposite horizontal axes.
63
What does a concave side of a population pyramid suggest?
It indicates higher death rates in certain age groups.
64
What might irregular “bumps” in a population pyramid indicate?
Historical events such as baby booms, wars, or significant migration episodes.
65
How do dependency ratios affect economic planning?
A high dependency ratio increases pressure on the working population, affecting productivity and social services.
66
What does a high median age in a population indicate?
An aging population with potential challenges in labor supply and increased healthcare demands.
67
How can a cultural preference for male children impact population statistics?
It may lead to skewed gender ratios and affect overall fertility decisions.
68
What is replacement fertility and why is it important?
It is the level of fertility (around 2.0–2.1 children per woman) needed to maintain a stable population size.
69
How do crude birth and death rates together determine natural population change?
Their difference, adjusted for net migration, represents the natural increase or decrease of a population.
70
What factors have led to declining fertility rates in developed countries?
Higher education, delayed marriage, career focus, and widespread contraceptive use.
71
How do pension schemes influence family size in developing countries?
Limited pensions encourage larger families for old-age support, whereas robust systems reduce reliance on offspring.
72
What is the net migration rate and how is it calculated?
It’s the difference between immigrants and emigrants per 1,000 population.
73
How does access to family planning services affect population growth?
It allows individuals to control their fertility, often lowering birth rates.
74
What impact does urbanization have on fertility rates?
Urbanization usually leads to lower fertility due to higher costs of living and increased education and employment opportunities.
75
How can declining populations in developed countries affect their economies?
They may experience labor shortages, reduced consumer demand, and challenges funding social services.
76
What role does the dependency ratio play in a nation’s economic planning?
It indicates the burden on the working-age population to support dependents, influencing tax and social service policies.
77
How do changes in age structure influence long-term economic growth?
An aging population can decrease labor force participation and slow economic productivity.
78
What historical trend is evident in global population milestones?
Successive billions have been added in shorter intervals, reflecting accelerating growth.
79
How has migration influenced population trends in regions such as the Caribbean?
Significant emigration has reduced growth rates, while immigration in other regions can partially offset declines.
80
What is the impact of political policies on population growth?
Government interventions, through incentives or restrictions, directly affect fertility and overall demographic trends.
81
How can population growth be both an economic asset and a challenge?
While a growing population can drive economic demand, rapid growth may strain resources and infrastructure.
82
What does the “demographic divide” refer to?
The differences in fertility, mortality, and age structures between developed and developing countries.
83
How do healthcare and sanitation improvements affect mortality rates?
They reduce infant and child mortality, thereby increasing overall life expectancy.
84
What is the effect of educational attainment on population growth?
Higher education, especially among women, typically leads to lower fertility and delayed childbearing.
85
How do cultural norms regarding family size influence fertility rates?
Societies that value large families often exhibit higher fertility rates, while those emphasizing quality over quantity tend to have fewer children.
86
What are age-specific fertility rates used for?
They provide detailed insights into fertility patterns among different age groups, informing targeted family planning policies.
87
How do economic and social development interact to influence population growth?
Improved economic conditions and education tend to lower fertility rates, altering population structures over time.
88
What is an example of a pro-natalist policy?
France’s incentives—cash benefits, tax reductions, and subsidized childcare—to encourage larger families.
89
Why is understanding population control methods important for future planning?
Effective measures help manage resource allocation, economic stability, and social services in response to demographic changes.
90
Per capita income
Per capita refers to the income earned per person in a given population.
91
What does Per capita income indicate?
Per capita income is often used to measure a country’s standard of living which can be calculated by dividing national income by population.
92
What is gdp?
GDP, or Gross Domestic Product, is the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific period, typically a year, and is a key indicator of a country's economic performance.
93
Gross National Product (GNP)
GNP is a measure of a country’s economic performance, or what its citizens produced (i.e. goods and services) and whether they produced these items within its borders. It is calculated using the GDP of a country, plus any income earned by residents from overseas investments, minus income earned within the domestic economy by overseas residents.
94
Human Development Index (HDI)
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a summary measure of a country’s average achievements in three basic dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life (Health/Life Expectancy), access to knowledge (Education) and a decent standard of living (Income).

CAPE Environmental Science (5 decks)

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