Population and the Environment

These flashcards cover key concepts related to population ecology, urbanisation, growth rates, and measures to mitigate environmental impacts.

What is population ecology?

The study of the number of individuals of a particular species that are found in an area and how and why those numbers change over time.

Define population density.

The number of individuals of a population per unit of habitat area.

What factors influence population growth?

Migration, birth rate, economic rewards/penalties, empowering women, family planning, religion/culture, average marriage age, children as part of the labor force, and death rate.

What is biotic potential?

The maximum rate at which a population can increase when there are no limits on its growth.

What is carrying capacity?

The number of individuals of a given species that can be sustained indefinitely in a given area.

List two types of overpopulation.

Absolute poverty in less developed countries leading to environmental unsustainability; over consumption in more developed countries causing significant resource depletion.

Explain the effects of urbanization.

Vegetation loss, urban microclimate changes, increased water demands, increased runoff and flooding, solid waste and pollution, noise pollution, land conversion, and social disruption.

What does the term 'urbanisation' refer to?

The process in which people increasingly move from rural areas to densely populated cities.

What measures can be suggested to improve urban life?

Reduce population growth, increase investments and social services in rural areas, and repair and revitalise existing cities.

What is the formula to calculate growth rate (r)?

r = b - d or r = (b + i) - (d + e) for closed populations.