Visualizing Environmental Science

© Frances Roberts/Alamy

188 CHAPTER 7

5

Population and Urbanization 181

1. Urbanization is the process whereby people move from rural
   areas to densely populated cities. In developing nations, most
   people live in rural settings, but their rates of urbanization are
   rapidly increasing.

still experience population growth if the largest percentage

of the population is in the prereproductive years. In contrast

to developing countries, highly developed countries have

low infant mortality rates, low total fertility rates, and an age

structure in which the largest percentage of the population

isn’t in the prereproductive years.

4

Stabilizing World Population 174

1. Four factors are most responsible for high total fertility rates:
   high infant and child mortality rates, the important economic
   and societal roles of children in some cultures, the low status
   of women in many societies, and a lack of health and family
   planning services. The single most important factor affecting
   high TFRs is the low status of women. The governments of
   many developing countries are trying to limit population
   growth.


2. Education of women decreases the total fertility rate, in
   part by delaying the first childbirth. Education increases
   the likelihood that women will know how to control their
   fertility. Education also increases women’s career options,
   which provide ways of achieving status besides having
   babies.

Rural

population

1950

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

5000

1960 1970 1980 1990

Year

2000 2010 2020 2030

Population (millions) Urban population

50% in 2008

age structure 172

biotic potential 161

carrying capacity (K) 163

compact development 183

demographic transition 172

demographics 170

exponential population growth 162

growth rate (r) 161

infant mortality rate 170

population ecology 160

replacement-level fertility 170

total fertility rate (TFR) 170

urbanization 181

zero population growth 166

What is happening in this picture?

Pedestrians stroll along lower Manhattan’s High Line park, constructed

along an abandoned elevated rail line. What advantages does such a space

provide urban residents?

What problems are associated with abandoned spaces in cities?

How might a space like the High Line benefit the natural environment?

2. Rapid urbanization makes it difficult to provide city dwellers
   with basic services such as housing, water, sewage, and
   transportation systems.


3. Compact development is the design of cities so that tall,
   multiple-unit residential buildings are close to shopping and
   jobs, and all are connected by public transportation.

Key Terms