Unit 2: Consuming Resources

Question 1

Arithmetically

Answer 1

Growth that adds one at each stage: 1,2,3,4 etc. Malthus describes food production in this way.

Question 2

Biofuel

Answer 2

Fuel made from living things or from the waste they produce (e.g. cow dung).

Question 3

Black Gold

Answer 3

Another name for oil because it is such a valuable commodity

Question 4

The maximum number of people who can be supported in a given area.

Answer 4

Carrying Capacity

Question 5

Ecological footprint

Answer 5

An estimation of the area needed to supply resources to an individual or group of people to maintain their lifestyle. The higher the number, the more space needed.

Question 6

Energy Security

Answer 6

Reliable and affordable sources of energy. Countries with enough, or a surplus are said to be ‘energy secure’, those without are ‘energy insecure’.

Question 7

Exponential Growth

Answer 7

Growth that doubles at each stage (1,2,4,8,16 etc). Malthus describes population growth in this way.

Question 8

A resource which is limited or restricted

Answer 8

Finite resource

Question 9

The ability to obtain sufficient food on a day to day basis

Answer 9

Food security

Question 10

Difficulty in obtaining food (from hunger to full-scale famine)

Answer 10

Food insecurity

Question 11

Peak Oil

Answer 11

The point at which oil production reaches it maximum level then declines.

Question 12

Sustainable energy

Answer 12

Energy sources which are unlikely to run out (renewables e.g. solar, wind, wave)

Question 13

Reserves

Answer 13

Resources that a country has (e.g. Saudi Arabia- oil)

Question 14

Consumers

Answer 14

Countries which use resources

Question 15

Malthus’ Theory

Answer 15

Population would grow faster than food supply, famine would act as a ‘natural check’ on the population.

Question 16

Boserup’s Theory

Answer 16

‘Necessity is the mother of invention’ If more food is needed due to population growth, people would find a way to ‘invent’. E.g. GM crops that fight disease.