Population
1. Current Population Statistics
World Population: 7.3 billion
U.S. Population: 320 million
Most Populous Countries:
1. China
2. India
3. United States
2. Factors Contributing to Population Growth
Main Cause: Decline in death rates (better health and reduced infant mortality).
Growth rate: 1.2% globally.
Thomas Malthus' Theory: Predicted population growth would outpace food supply,
leading to societal collapse.
3. Population Distribution
Over 50% of the world’s population now lives in urban areas.
4. Key Population Metrics
Population Change Formula: Births - Deaths + Immigration - Emigration
Replacement-Level Fertility Rate:
o Developed countries: ~2.1
o Less-developed countries: ~2.4 (higher due to higher child mortality).
Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Average number of children born to women during
reproductive years.
o Example: U.S. fertility rate has been at replacement level since 1972.
5. Life Expectancy and Infant Mortality
Global Life Expectancy: 70 years.
U.S. Life Expectancy: 79 years (ranks #32).
Infant Mortality Rate:
o Indicator of population health.
o U.S. rate in 1900: 165; in 2012: 6 (ranked #44).
o Causes of high infant mortality: Malnutrition, undernutrition, infectious diseases.
6. Migration
Immigration: People moving into a country.
Emigration: People moving out of a country.
7. Age Structure and Demographic Trends
Age Structure:
o Pre-reproductive (0-14 years).
o Reproductive (15-44 years).
o Post-reproductive (45+ years).
Demographic Momentum: When a large portion of a population is entering reproductive
years, future population growth is likely.
Population Pyramids:
o Pyramid shape: Rapid growth (e.g., Nigeria).
o Inverted pyramid: Population decline (e.g., Japan).
8. The Baby Boom (U.S.)
Occurred from 1946-1964.
Significant economic and social impacts.
9. Strategies to Slow Population Growth
Reduce Poverty:
o Economic development.
o Universal education.
Elevate the Status of Women:
o Education, employment, and family planning reduce fertility rates.
Promote Family Planning:
o Every dollar spent saves $13 in social services and healthcare.
10. Demographic Transition Model
Stage 1: Preindustrial – High birth and death rates.
Stage 2: Transitional – Death rates decline; population grows rapidly.
Stage 3: Industrial – Birth rates decline; population growth slows.
Stage 4: Postindustrial – Population growth levels off or declines.
11. Population Ecology Basics
Population: A group of individuals of the same species in a specific area.
Characteristics of Populations:
o Size (N)
o Density
o Dispersion: Clumped, Random, Uniform
o Age structure
o Survivorship curves:
Type I: High survival in early/middle life (e.g., humans).
Type II: Constant mortality (e.g., birds).
Type III: High mortality early in life (e.g., fish).
12. Population Growth Models
Exponential Growth: J-shaped curve; rapid growth under ideal conditions.
Logistic Growth: S-shaped curve; growth slows as population nears carrying capacity.
Carrying Capacity (K): Maximum population size the environment can support.
13. Reproductive Strategies
r-Selected Species:
o High reproductive rate.
o Short lifespan.
o Little parental care (e.g., insects).
K-Selected Species:
o Low reproductive rate.
o Long lifespan.
o High parental care (e.g., elephants).
