APES HW; Ch. 8
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS.
1. Write out the equation for the growth rate of a local population and briefly explain each term that is part of the equation.
2. Sketch an exponential growth curve and be sure that the axes are correctly labeled. Cite two examples of organisms that demonstrate this type of growth pattern.
3. Identify the characteristics of Type II survivorship and include an example of an organism that demonstrates this life history pattern.
4. List and briefly describe three types of environmental resistance that a herd of deer might experience.
5. Compare and contrast density-dependent and density-independent factors that affect population size. Include two examples of each type of factor.
6. Identify and briefly describe two density-dependent factors that may affect boom-or-bust population cycles.
7. Define doubling time and explain how it relates to population growth.
8. Give three reasons why a preindustrial stage society has such a high birth rate.
9. Compare and contrast the following terms: population growth momentum and replacement-level fertility.
10. Define demographics and briefly discuss the demographics of highly developed countries.
11. Briefly describe the current U.S. policy on immigration and what groups of people, if any, are given priority for immigration.
DISCUSSION OR THOUGHT QUESTIONS.
1. Write out a general equation describing population growth including the four basic components discussed in the text. Insert sample values in the equation to show a decrease in the growth rate of a population and briefly explain what you have done. Now insert sample values into the equation that will result in stabilization of the population size. Again, briefly explain what you have done
2. Explain why mice populations will not expand indefinitely and take over the entire world. Include appropriate population growth terminology in your explanation.
3. Sketch and label a logistic population growth curve. Briefly explain what happens to the population at different points within the graph and what factor(s) may be affecting it.
4. Briefly describe and then discuss the case study of the two major populations inhabiting Isle Royale. Your discussion should include the following: identification of the population principle(s) being studied, what has been learned so far, and questions that remain to be resolved.
5. Discuss the variables that make it difficult to predict future human population numbers. Also discuss which variables could be influenced by government policy changes or innovations, and which, if any, are beyond our control.
6. Who was Thomas Malthus and what were his ideas about human population growth? Was he correct or not? Justify your answer.
7. Explain why it is impossible to precisely determine the Earth's carrying capacity for humans. Include specific examples as part of your answer.
8. How does the age structure of a country affect its population growth? Cite three specific countries as examples to support your discussion.
9. Compare and contrast the age structure of Nigeria and Russia using age structure diagrams. Identify and discuss some of the factors that contribute to these very different population age structures.
10. How does the population growth of the United States compare to that of other countries, both highly developed and developing? What factor(s) may account for the unique aspects of population growth seen in the U.S.?
11. Explain why the U.S. immigration policy is a controversial environmental issue. How does this issue compare to the other concerns raised by our immigration policy and those of other Western countries?
12. What is the most pressing environmental problem facing the world today? Use evidence provided in the text and in class to support your answer and present a concrete and reasonable plan of action to address this problem.