Chapter Questions
In what ways is human population ecology similar to and different from that of other organisms? Why is it difficult to determine a carrying capacity for humans?
How has the global human population changed from prehistoric times to 1800 ? From 1800 to the present? What is projected over the next 50 years?
How does the World Bank classify countries in terms of economic categories?
What three factors are multiplied to give total environmental impact? Are developed nations exempt from environmental impact? Why or why not?
What are the environmental and social consequences of rapid population growth in rural developing countries? In urban areas?
Describe the negative and positive impacts of affluence (high individual consumption) on the environment.
What information is given by a population profile?
How do the population profiles and fertility rates of developed countries differ from those of developing countries?
Compare future population projections, and their possible consequences, for developed and developing countries.
Discuss the immigration issues pertaining to developed and developing countries. Which countries are sending the most immigrants and which are receiving the most?
What is meant by population momentum, and what is its cause?
Define the crude birthrate (CBR) and the crude death rate (CDR). Describe how these rates are used to calculate the percent rate of growth and the doubling time of a population.
What is meant by the demographic transition? Relate the epidemiologic transition and the fertility transition (two elements of the demographic transition) to its four phases.
What are examples of countries in different stages of the demographic transition?