Chapter 15 Human Ecology • MHR 535CHAPTER 15 REVIEW
Summary of Expectations
Briefly explain each of the following points.- Since the human population was small and
controlled by density dependent factors for
most of its history, humans have many traits
typical of a K-selected species. (15.1) - The Agricultural Revolution caused a gradual
but consistent increase in the growth rate of
the human population, which eventually
began to grow exponentially. (15.1) - As populations pass through the stages of a
demographic transition, their birth and death
rates change from a state of balance; through
two stages in which the birth rate is higher
than the death rate and the population grows;
to the last stage in which they are again
balanced and the population size remains
stable (although larger than before). (15.1) - Nations identified as more industrialized have
completed their demographic transition,
whereas those that are termed less developed
tend to be in earlier stages and thus still
growing. (15.1) - The rate of growth of the human population
appears to be slowing. (15.1) - The age structure of a population (which can
be illustrated in an age pyramid) affects its
rate of growth. (15.1) - The human population is rapidly becoming
urbanized, a trend that has both costs and
benefits. (15.1) - Estimates of the carrying capacity of Earth for
humans vary widely, and the variation among
the estimates has increased over time. (15.2) - Many approaches have been used in attempts
to estimate the carrying capacity for humans;
all make many assumptions that may or may
not be true. (15.2) - Earth’s carrying capacity for humans is
probably not static. It likely varies with many
factors, including the diet of humans, weather,
and environmental conditions. (15.2)- The human population has a negative impact
on Earth in ways that reduce its carrying
capacity for humans. Three approaches to deal
with this include what have been called the
bigger pie theory, the fewer forks approach,
and the better manners approach. (15.2) - The natural resources that humans consume
can be divided into three categories: perpetual,
renewable, and non-renewable. (15.3) - Humans have their biggest negative impact on
renewable resources, which are being used up
faster than they can be replenished. (15.3) - Four renewable resources that are seriously
affected by human overconsumption and
environmental degradation are clean air,
drinkable water, fertile soil, and biodiversity.
(15.3) - The goal of sustainable development is to
balance economic and environmental concerns,
thereby ensuring that all humans can maintain
a good quality of life without causing
irreparable damage to the environment. (15.3)
- The human population has a negative impact
Language of Biology
State the biological significance of each of the
following terms. Create concept maps to show your
understanding of how they are related. Be prepared
to explain your rationale.- Agricultural Revolution • non-renewable
- demographic transition resource
- Industrial Revolution • sustainable
- zero population growth development
- more industrialized nation • pollutant
- less industrialized nation • greenhouse effect
- fertility rate • anthropogenic
- replacement fertility rate • deforestation
- urban sprawl • global warming
- Green Revolution • ozone depletion
- source • acid precipitation
- sink • photochemical smog
- tragedy of the commons • aquifer
- perpetual resource • desertification
- renewable resource • extinction
- biodiversity • extirpation
- (a)Compare the effects of the Agricultural and
Industrial Revolutions on the growth rate of
the human population.
(b)What was the Green Revolution? How did
it contribute to the growth of the human
population?
2.Compare a country in Stage 2 of the
demographic transition process with one in
Stage 4 with respect to the following: expected
growth rate, age structure of the population,
fertility rate.UNDERSTANDING CONCEPTS