Population Ecology Flashcards
What are the two main theoretical views on population growth?
- Malthusian Theory: Population grows faster than resources, leading to famine and crisis.
- Boserup Theory: Human innovation and technology will sustain growing populations.
What are the key differences between Malthus and Boserup?
• Malthus: Population growth leads to resource depletion and catastrophe.
• Boserup: Population growth stimulates technological advances to support food production.
What is population ecology?
• The study of how populations interact with their environment and resources.
• Examines factors like birth rates, death rates, and carrying capacity.
What is carrying capacity in population ecology?
• The maximum population size an environment can support without degrading resources.
What happens when a population exceeds carrying capacity?
• Resource depletion leads to starvation, conflict, or migration.
• Population declines or adjusts through lower birth rates.
What are the key demographic trends in Japan?
• Aging population with low birth rates.
• Declining workforce leading to economic concerns.
• High life expectancy increases demand for elderly care.
What are the social and economic impacts of Japan’s aging population?
• Rising healthcare costs for elderly care.
• Labour shortages due to fewer working-age individuals.
• Government debt increasing due to pension costs.
How is Japan addressing its aging population?
• Encouraging immigration and automation to support the workforce.
• Policies promoting higher birth rates (childcare support, financial incentives).
• Investing in elderly healthcare and robotics for elderly care.
What are the main population health issues in Swaziland?
• High HIV/AIDS prevalence (one of the highest in the world).
• Low life expectancy due to disease and poverty.
• High dependency ratio, with many young dependents.
How does Swaziland’s health crisis affect its population?
• Economic burden due to sick workforce.
• Strain on healthcare system.
• Orphan crisis as many parents die from HIV/AIDS.
What strategies are being used to improve health in Swaziland?
• HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs.
• International aid for healthcare funding.
• Improved maternal and child healthcare services.
