Population Dynamics and Human Impact

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding population dynamics, carrying capacity, impacts of human decisions on population growth, and historical contexts of population changes.

What is carrying capacity?

The maximum population of a given species that a habitat can sustain indefinitely.

What occurs when a population overshoots its carrying capacity?

The population sharply declines, a situation known as dieback or population crash.

What are three potential outcomes for a population that has experienced a crash?

Stabilize its population, switch to new resources, or move to a new geographic area.

How is the Earth’s carrying capacity for humans determined?

It is determined by both natural biophysical constraints and human decision-making.

What historical event caused a significant population crash in Ireland?

The 1845 population crash caused by a fungus destroying the potato crop.

What is the Kyoto Protocol?

An agreement under which industrialized countries aim to reduce their collective emissions of greenhouse gases.

What were the national targets for emissions reductions under the Kyoto Protocol?

Targets ranged from 8% for the European Union to increases of 8% for Australia.

What is the total fertility rate (TFR)?

The average number of children born to women in a population during their reproductive years.

What is the replacement fertility rate globally?

2.1, the number of children each woman needs to have to precisely replace herself in the population.

What factors can influence birth and fertility rates?

Children as part of the labor force, cost of raising and educating children, access to family planning, education, and reliable birth control.

How can demographic transition stabilize human populations?

As countries industrialize, per capita income rises and populations tend to grow more slowly.

What can rapid population decline lead to?

Several economic and social problems arising from a shrinking workforce and aging population.

What was China's one-child policy and its impact?

It was a policy to control population growth, leading to a skewed gender ratio and an aging population, which was changed to a two-child policy in 2015.