population science

Crude Birth Rate

The number of live births per 1,000 people in a population over a specific period, usually one year.

Crude Death Rate

The number of deaths per 1,000 people in a population over a specific period, typically one year.

Natural Increase Rate (NIR)

The percentage by which a population grows in a year, calculated by subtracting the crude death rate from the crude birth rate.

Doubling Time

the estimated number of years required for a population to double in size.

DTM (Demographic Transition Model)

A model that describes the stages a population goes through as it transitions from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates, typically associated with economic development.

Population Pyramid

A graphical representation that shows the distribution of various age groups in a population, typically divided by gender, illustrating demographic trends and growth rates.

Ecological Footprint (EF)

A theoretical concept that acts as a valuable tool used to assess the environmental impact of human populations.

Carrying Capacity

the maximum number of individuals of a species that a given environment can sustainably support without undergoing degradation.

Malthusian Theory

a theory proposed by Thomas Malthus stating that human population increases exponentially, whereas food production increases arithmetically, eventually leading to population crashes caused by famine, disease, or war

Boserup Theory

a optimistic theory proposed by Ester Boserup stating that population growth stimulates technological innovation and agricultural intensification (“necessity is the mother of invention.”) enabling food supply to keep pace with demographic demand.

Anti-Natalist Policies

Government initiatives aimed at reducing birth rates to control population growth (China one-child policy)

Pro-Natalist Policies

Government strategies designed to increase birth rates to counter population decline or aging populations.

LEDC (Less Economically Developed Country)

a nation characterized by lower per capita income, lower levels of industrialization, higher infant mortality, higher CBR, and a rapid rate of natural increase.

MEDC (More Economically Developed Country)

an industrialized nation characterized by high per capita income, advanced healthcare, high technology adoption, lower birth rates

DTM Analysis & Synthesis

In stage 2 of the Demographic Transition Model, the crude death rate (CDR) drops rapidly.

Ecological Footprint Comparison: MEDC vs. LEDC

The Ecological Footprint per capita of an MEDC is significantly higher than that of an LEDC. MEDC’S rely more on energy-intensive lifestyle.

Calculate Crude Birth Rate (CBR)

CBR = (Total births/Total population) x 1,000

Calculate Crude Death Rate (CDR)

CDR = (Total deaths/Total Population) x 1,000

Calculate Natural Increase Rate (NIR %)

Crude birth rates - Crude death rates = NIR %

Calculate Doubling Time (DT)

DT = 70/NIR