Environmental Science: Unit 6 - Human Population

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to human population growth and its environmental impacts.

Exponential Growth

A rapid increase in population size, as seen in the human population over the last 10,000 years.

Agricultural Revolution

The transition from hunting and gathering societies to farming and domestication of animals around 10,000 years ago.

Industrial Revolution

The period in the 1700s and 1800s marked by the shift from rural to urban living and the use of fossil fuels.

Global Growth Rate

The rate at which the global human population increases over a certain period, peaked at 2.1% in the 1960s.

Rule of 70

A formula used to estimate the number of years it takes for a population to double by dividing 70 by the annual growth rate.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely without degrading the environment.

Age Structure

The distribution of individuals in a population across different age groups, influencing population growth.

Fertility Rate

The average number of children born to a woman during her lifetime, impacting population growth.

Replacement Fertility

The fertility rate required for a population to maintain its current size, typically around 2.1.

Demographic Transition

A theory that describes the transition of a population through stages of development, influenced by economic growth.

Developing Nations

Countries with low income and low standard of living, characterized by high fertility and death rates.

Developed Nations

Countries with high income and high standard of living, characterized by low fertility and death rates.

Ecological Footprint

A measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems, demonstrating the impact of individuals or communities.

Sustainable Practices

Methods that support human well-being while protecting the environment, crucial for managing population impacts.

Environmental Impact

The effect of human activities on the environment, including resource use, pollution, and biodiversity loss.