Question 1

Define ecological footprint and differentiate between the ecological footprint of a developing country and that of the United States. Support or challenge the following statement: ʺThe population problem does not lie entirely with the developing world.ʺ

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Question 2

Recent research suggests that ________________ has/have contributed to the large drop in fertility rates in Brazil over the past several decades.

Accepted Answer

The article states that research has shown soap operas to have contributed to the drop in fertility rates in Brazil over the past several decades.

Question 3

Not surprisingly, the nation with the highest rate of contraceptive use (85%) is ________________.

Accepted Answer

China has implemented strict population control policies, including the one-child policy, which has resulted in a high rate of contraceptive use among its population. According to the World Health Organization, China's contraceptive prevalence rate is around 85%, the highest in the world.

Question 4

Why do environmentalists such as Paul Ehrlich view unchecked population growth as a problem?

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Question 5

The most accurate terms describing the trend over the past 50 years for human use of natural resources are ________________.

Accepted Answer

The trend over the past 50 years for human use of natural resources has been increasing and unsustainable. This is due to factors such as population growth, industrialization, and consumption patterns. While there have been some efforts towards sustainability, such as the development of renewable energy sources, the overall trend remains unsustainable.

Question 6

Briefly describe how family planning helped reduce the TFR in Bangladesh.

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Question 7

The ʺsensitivity factorʺ in the model used to represent human environmental impact denotes ________________.

Accepted Answer

The sensitivity factor in the model used to represent human environmental impact denotes the sensitivity of an environment to human pressures. This refers to how easily or quickly an ecosystem will be negatively affected by human activities such as pollution, resource depletion, and habitat destruction. It takes into account factors such as biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and the fragility of natural systems.

Question 8

Explain human population growth in terms of carrying capacity. How does this differ from organisms that exist in natural ecosystems? Explain how population growth for human populations is a problem.

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Question 9

What three-factor model is used for representing the impact on environment? What is a fourth factor that could be added to this? Give a simple explanation for each factor and describe what it means in terms of human impacts on the environment.

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Question 10

The view held by both Malthus and Paul Ehrlich suggests that depletion of resource supplies due to greater numbers of people ________________.

Accepted Answer

Both Malthus and Paul Ehrlich argued that population growth would eventually lead to resource depletion, specifically of limited resources such as food, water, and energy. This would create problems for the population, as access to these resources would become harder and harder. Therefore, the correct answer is E: "is a problem because some resources are limited and can be depleted."

Question 11

A population which is not growing will have a TFR of ________________

Accepted Answer

A total fertility rate (TFR) of 2.1 is considered the replacement level fertility - the rate at which a generation can replace itself. This is because each woman needs to have an average of 2.1 children in order for the population to remain stable without immigration. Therefore, a population which is not growing will have a TFR of 2.1. Choices A, C, D, and E are all incorrect as they all suggest either high or very low fertility rates, which would result in population growth or decline.

Question 12

What social challenges are posed by a pyramid-shaped versus an inverted pyramid-shaped age structure diagram?

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Question 13

What is a demographic transition? What are its four stages? State why each stage is important and what the consequence is for population growth. Do all countries go through the demographic transition?

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Question 14

Read the following scenario and answer the question below.
Population growth is at the root of many serious environmental problems. From the ancient Babylonians thousands of years ago, to Thomas Malthus two centuries ago, to present day neo-Malthusians, humans seem to possess an awareness of Earthʹs limitations in the face of growing populations. Today, our ability to accurately quantify, monitor, and control population growth is very sophisticated. We can measure growth and make predictions about world growth with mathematical and computer models. Can we prevent disaster?
-Because of the success of Chinaʹs population control programs,________________ .

Accepted Answer

The scenario states that China's population control programs have been successful, which implies that China's population growth rate has decreased from its previous levels. There is no information provided to support the other answer choices.

Question 15

Briefly explain how the status of women affects population growth.

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Question 16

How does poverty and affluence affect the environment?

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Question 17

Why did China institute a population control policy? How is it enforced? Why is it controversial?

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Question 18

What specific population characteristics do demographers study? Why is it important to study these things?

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Question 19

Malthus was responsible for ________________.

Accepted Answer

Malthus was famous for his theory on population growth, which stated that without social restrictions, population growth would lead to famine and war. This is known as the Malthusian theory.

Question 20

Read the following scenario and answer the question below.
Population growth is at the root of many serious environmental problems. From the ancient Babylonians thousands of years ago, to Thomas Malthus two centuries ago, to present day neo-Malthusians, humans seem to possess an awareness of Earthʹs limitations in the face of growing populations. Today, our ability to accurately quantify, monitor, and control population growth is very sophisticated. We can measure growth and make predictions about world growth with mathematical and computer models. Can we prevent disaster?
-Despite dire predictions in the past, humans still inhabit Earth. A few economists would argue that this is because ________________.

Accepted Answer

The passage suggests that technological developments have allowed us to control population growth and alleviate some of the strain on Earth's resources, which is why humans have been able to continue inhabiting the planet despite dire predictions about the consequences of population growth.

Quiz 6: Human Population