The relationship between population and resources Flashcards
What is overpopulation?
When population outnumbers food supply and resources
What is underpopulation?
When food supply and resources outstrip population
What is the optimum population?
When a given population matches and meets the given resources
What is the Malthusian Theory?
It is a pessimistic view formed by Thomas Malthus stating that population will outstrip food supply until a catastrophe occurs. This would act as a population check and balances the relationship between food and resources. They might use climate change, reducing fish stocks and desertification as examples.
What is the Boserupian Theory?
It is an optimistic view formed by Esther Boserup, saying that human innovation and improvements in technology will conquer resource problems.
