GEE 001 - Human Population

Population

All the individuals of the same species that live together in one place at the same time.

Demography

The statistical study of populations, used to predict how population size will change.

Population Size

The number of individuals in a population; affects the population's ability to survive.

Population Density

The number of individuals living in a given area; if individuals are too spread out, they reproduce less.

Density-Dependent Factors

Factors that have a stronger effect as population size grows, such as disease, competition, predators, parasites, food supply, and crowding.

Density-Independent Factors

Mostly abiotic factors, like volcanic eruptions, storms, floods, drought, and pesticides, that affect population size regardless of density.

Dispersion

The way individuals in a population are arranged or spread out in an area.

Carrying Capacity (for Humans)

The maximum human population the Earth can support without seriously damaging the life-support system that sustains us.

Population Change

The change in population size, calculated as (Births + Immigration) minus (Deaths + Emigration).

Birth Rate (Crude Birth Rate)

The number of live births per 1,000 people in a population in a given year.

Fertility Rate

The number of children born to a woman during her lifetime.

Death Rate (Crude Death Rate)

The number of deaths per 1,000 people in a population in a given year.

Life Expectancy

The average number of years a newborn infant can expect to live.

Infant Mortality Rate

The number of babies, out of every 1,000 born, who die before their first birthday; a key indicator of a society's quality of life.

Immigration

The movement of people into a specific geographic area.

Emigration

The movement of people out of a specific geographic area.

Age Structure

The number or percentage of males and females in young, middle, and older age groups; determines how fast a population grows or declines.

Pre-Reproductive Age Group

Individuals ages 0-14, who are too young to have children.

Reproductive Age Group

Individuals ages 15-44, who can normally have children.

Post-Reproductive Age Group

Individuals ages 45 and older, who are too old to have children.

Demographic Transition

The process where, as countries industrialize and develop economically, income rises, poverty declines, and population growth slows, occurring in four stages.

Preindustrial Stage

Stage of demographic transition where population grows very slowly due to both high birth and high death rates.

Transitional Stage

Stage of demographic transition where population grows rapidly because birth rates stay high while death rates drop due to better food and healthcare.

Industrial Stage

Stage of demographic transition where population growth slows as both birth and death rates drop due to improved food, health, and education.

Postindustrial Stage

Stage of demographic transition where population growth levels off and then declines as birth rates equal, then fall below, death rates.

Urban Area

A geographic area with a population of 2,500 or more people (the exact number varies by country).

Urban Growth

The rate at which an urban population grows.

Degree of Urbanization

The percentage of a population living in urban areas.

Urban Sprawl

The spread of low-density development on the edges of cities and towns, often due to poor urban planning.

Smart Growth

A form of urban planning that allows growth to happen while using zoning and other tools to prevent sprawl and protect sensitive lands.

Ecocity (Green City)

A more environmentally sustainable city that protects biodiversity, reduces pollution and waste, and uses renewable energy and efficient design.